What is Fumigation in Exports and Imports?

What is Fumigation in Exports and Imports?

Trade is a vital aspect for any country’s growth, but it does come with certain risks. One such risk is the spread of pests, which is closely linked to climate change.

To prevent the entry of pests into a country, importers need to exercise great caution. This is why they require a fumigation certificate for any wood packaging in the shipping containers. This ensures that the containers have been properly treated against pests and there is no risk of any pests being present inside them.

Contents:

• Meaning of the Fumigation Certificate
• Importance of A Fumigation Certificate
• Fumigation Certificate for Imports and Exports
• When is a Fumigation Certificate Required?
• Fumigation Certificate Sample and Requirements
• Details for Fumigation Certificate
• How is Fumigation Carried Out?
• FAQs on Fumigation Certificate
• Conclusion

Meaning of the Fumigation Certificate

A fumigation certificate validates whether all wooden contents that are part of the shipment (such as furniture, raw wooden products, packaging boxes, pallets, etc.,) have been chemically disinfected.

The certificate is also known as a pest-control certificate, as the fumigation process gets rid of any pests that may be festering inside the wooden materials of the shipment.

Fumigation is the process of eliminating pests by releasing chemical fumes. It is a phytosanitary measure typically taken to pest-proof shipping containers or warehouses, ensuring that your cargo is pest-free and safe for export.

When it comes to shipping container fumigation, the process concludes with the issuance of a certificate indicating that your goods may be exported to other countries without risk. Fumigation can be done at the time of shipment, after arrival from overseas, or even while in transit.

Importance of A Fumigation Certificate

In most countries, it is necessary to have a fumigation certificate for both import and export processes. If you are utilizing wooden packaging materials, such as pallets and wooden crates for exporting goods, they must conform to the ISPM 15 standards.

By complying with ISPM15, your goods will be free from pests and will be eligible for legal exportation to other countries. One of the pest control methods used to ensure that your cargo is ISPM 15 compliant is fumigation.

Your fumigation certificate will contain important details, such as the type of fumigant used, the duration of the fumigation, and the temperature at which it was carried out.

Fumigation Certificate for Imports and Exports

• Fumigation prevents legal issues when exporting goods to other countries and ensures a smooth transaction.
• Fumigation protects the importing country’s flora and fauna from foreign pests that can cause significant harm to their ecology.
• Without fumigation, cargo can carry dangerous pests, leading to extreme measures by the importing country. In some cases, the cargo may be destroyed.
• Fumigation is crucial to prevent the entry of pests that destroy the entire batch of goods during transportation, causing enormous losses.

Did you know that food wasted annually due to insect attacks and pest infestation is enough to feed 100 million people, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)? Saving every grain from rotting and infestation contributes to eradicating hunger problems around the world.

When is a Fumigation Certificate required? Exporters must carry out fumigation and exhibit a certificate when exporting any wooden products. Additionally, if wooden packing materials such as pallets or stands are used, they must undergo fumigation as well. To eliminate the risk of pest infestation and the need to fumigate different types of containers, many exporters have shifted to using plastic packing materials for their shipments.

Note: Wooden boxes and pallets made of processed wood-based panels (e.g. plywood, particleboard, and fiberboard) do not need fumigation. In addition, painted furniture, heat-treated wooden trays and tools with solid wood handles don’t need fumigation either.

When is a Fumigation Certificate Required?

ISPM15 is being adopted by international trading partners into their import regulations. The National Plant Protection Organization of the United States (NPPO) and the United States Department of Agriculture have collaborated with the wood packaging material industry to establish an export program that meets global import requirements.

This program ensures that wood packaging materials for international trade are certified when treated. Compliance with this program is a critical aspect that ensures materials are traceable to their origin.

Fumigation Certificate Sample and Requirements

Case Study

1. If you need to ship your log cargo from Shenzhen, China to the USA, there are three types of fumigation certificates available:

• The first type is issued by national customs. Your cargo will be sent to a unified fumigation yard, where Customs will recheck it and issue the certificate after confirming that everything is in order.
• The second type is issued by the Shenzhen Commodity Inspection Bureau. In this case, your cargo will be disinfected in a unified fumigation yard.
• The third type is issued by agents with fumigation qualifications. This option allows agents to fumigate your cargo at home, which is very convenient.

Note: For the export of log products in LCL or FCL, the first and second types of certificates are generally recognized by international customs, as shown in the figure below.

2. If you are importing wooden cargo to countries with strict requirements, such as the United States, I highly recommend selecting the first or second types to avoid any potential detainment during customs inspection.

3. If you are importing to countries like Singapore that have less strict requirements, you may consider using the third type of certificate.

Details for Fumigation Certificate

Fumigation certificates require details on the purpose of the treatment, fumigants used, time and temperature range.

There are four approaches recognized by ISPM 15 to eliminate insect and contamination problems in shipping wood:

• Heat Treatment (HT)

Specialist kilns or industrial microwaves are used to heat the wood until its core reaches 56 degrees Celcius for a minimum of 30 minutes. Pallets treated with HT carry an HT stamp.

• Kiln Drying

Kiln drying reduces the moisture content in the wood. Pallets are placed in a heating chamber, and excess moisture is evaporated. Kiln-dried treated wood also comes with an HT stamp.

• Methyl Bromide (MB)

MB is a colorless, odorless gas used to treat wood in a controlled environment. It is slowly being phased out due to its toxicity, but it is still used for IPSM 15. Two methods are approved for IPSM 15: container fumigation and isolating wooden cargo under an airtight tent. Wood palettes treated with MB carry an MB stamp.

• Dielectric Heat Treatment

This treatment uses high-frequency electromagnetic radiation to heat the entire wood profile to a minimum of 60 degrees Celsius, within 30 minutes. Manufacturers of these pallets must seek approval.

How is Fumigation Carried Out?

There are several companies worldwide that undertake fumigation. This could include fumigating premises, empty containers or cargo meant for export.

• Fumigation is a delicate process that requires certified pest control operators to handle the task with care. If not done properly, the fumigants used can be hazardous to humans, plants, and animals.

Methyl bromide and phosphine are the most commonly used pesticide gases for fumigation.

When importing cargo into a country, it is important to obtain a fumigation or phytosanitary certificate from the proper authorities. Failure to produce these certificates may result in the cargo being denied entry to the country. This applies to both Less-than Container Loads (LCL) and Full Container Loads (FCL). In some cases, cargo without proper certification may be taken to a quarantine yard and subjected to fumigation by the authorities at the importer’s expense.

• Fumigation is a crucial process in preventing the spread of exotic pests and weeds.

These pests are often invasive species that can multiply and spread rapidly if left unchecked, posing a threat to local flora and fauna by overrunning their habitat and exhausting their food supplies. Additionally, pests can be carriers of diseases, which can be harmful to human beings.

• Wooden pallets used in shipping are a favorite breeding ground for pests.

The wood used in making pallets provides a safe place for them to live and lay eggs. The Asian gipsy moth, the Asian lady beetle, etc., are examples of pests that thrive on wooden materials such as pallets.

A reliable and experienced freight forwarder will determine the most suitable fumigation program for your cargo type and destination.

The freight forwarder will collect necessary documents, including the packing list, commercial invoice, contract, power of attorney, etc. They will then apply to the local Commodity Inspection Bureau 7-8 days in advance. After disinfection, the Bureau will provide a fumigation certificate for your agent, and you will just need to pay for it.

Fumigation Charges in Shipping

The charges for fumigation vary depending on the company and the type of fumigation, pesticide used and whether it is for an empty shipping container, a full container load of cargo, or a less-than-container load. On average, rates range from USD150 to 650.

FAQs on Fumigation Certificate

1. Is a fumigation certificate required for wood packaging material?

Yes, all wooden packing materials require a fumigation certificate. However, man-made materials derived from wood, such as particleboard, do not need a fumigation certificate.

2. Is fumigation safe?

When carried out in accordance with guidelines and best scientific practices, fumigation is a completely safe method of pest control.

3. Is a fumigation certificate required for plywood?

No, plywood is a wooden-derived product and does not require a fumigation certificate.

4. How is a fumigation certificate required for import?

As an importer, it’s necessary to ask for a fumigation certificate from your exporter if your country mandates it. Even in countries where a fumigation certificate isn’t mandatory, you can still ask your supplier to provide one, as fumigation helps you avoid any pest-related mishaps.

Conclusion:

Nowadays, plastic packing materials are used to avoid fumigation and the associated certification costs.

If you require assistance with marine insurance for your sea freight, it is best to work with an experienced freight forwarder. We work with cooperative forwarders who have marine insurance partners and can handle complex situations such as general average.

lf you solve any problem when importing from China. Feel free to CONTACT US if you need.

As a leading sourcing company in China, Onestopimport has helped over 4000 importers source products from China. We have long-term cooperative freight forwarders who can arrange shipments and handle different documents such as fumigation certificates for you.