International freight traffic dynamics

Regarding fumigation, you should know more about it!

一、What is Fumigation?
Fumigation refers to the technical measure of using fumigants, which are compounds capable of producing a gas concentration lethal to harmful organisms, in enclosed spaces to kill pests, pathogens, or other harmful organisms. In layman's terms, fumigation involves adding a chemical solution to goods to kill insects. Wood packaging fumigation is mandatory to prevent harmful pests from damaging the forest resources of importing countries, ensure environmental and biological safety across nations, and maintain the safety and sustainability of international trade. It aims to ensure the absence of insects or insect eggs, achieving the goal of disinfection and sterilization.
二、Which Countries Require Fumigation?
1.Countries Mandating Fumigation: The 25 member states of the European Union, the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and other countries and markets without specific fumigation requirements, but it is recommended that wooden packaging still undergoes fumigation treatment and a fumigation certificate be issued.
2.Applicable Modes of Transportation for Fumigation: Generally, fumigation refers to sea freight and full container loads (FCL) via rail. Export container fumigation has strict requirements for time, temperature, and humidity. Fumigation needs to be conducted in sealed containers, and the goods and packaging should be kept dry and breathable to ensure that the fumigation gas can penetrate into every corner of the container.
三、Fumigation Methods There are mainly two methods of fumigation: chemical fumigation and thermal treatment. Chemical fumigation generally uses sulfuryl chloride, ethylene oxide (EO), aluminum phosphide, bromomethane, or ethylene oxide. Fumigation process:
1.Confirm the fumigation requirement, apply for inspection to the commodity inspection bureau 7-8 days in advance, and fill out the "Fumigation Disinfection Application".
2.After the business is accepted, schedule the fumigation time and location with the commodity inspection bureau, which may be a factory or a designated fumigation site.
3.On the agreed day (it is recommended to arrive at the destination 2 days in advance), the commodity inspection bureau will arrange personnel to the factory or dock warehouse. They will affix the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) special mark on the wooden packaging or wooden pallets, and after affixing this fumigation seal, they will start fumigating once the container is loaded (waiting time is 3 hours, with a waiting fee for overtime). During the loading process, four photos need to be taken: one with the container door open, two with each door closed, and one with both doors closed.
四、Fumigation Fees There is no uniform standard for fumigation fees, and the following fees are for reference only:
1.For containers within 20 cubic meters, the fumigation fee for a tonne truck is about 500-800 yuan.
2.For volumes exceeding 20 cubic meters, the fumigation fee for a 10-ton truck is approximately 700-1000 yuan.
3.The overnight storage fee is approximately 150-200 yuan.
4.If there are wooden packaging materials that require on-site stamping, an additional on-site fee will be incurred, with the fee quoted based on the specific address.
五、Fumigation duration:
1.Fumigation usually takes 24 hours.
2.After 24 hours, it takes 4 hours for the gas to dissipate before the container can be arranged for port entry. If the gas dissipation time is insufficient, the container may be sealed, potentially causing damage to the goods.
3.The commodity inspection bureau issues a fumigation certificate after approximately 4 days.
六、The fumigation certificate issued by the commodity inspection bureau is strictly verified, applicable to most situations, and is a fumigation certificate recognized by the destination customs. Note: The validity period of an export fumigation certificate is only 21 days. It is possible that by the time the goods arrive at the port, the validity period of the fumigation certificate has expired. Generally, as long as the goods are in good condition, the expiration of the fumigation certificate does not affect customs clearance.
七、Re-fumigation mark: After fumigation, the packaging will usually bear a fumigation mark, which, along with the certificate, serves as proof of fumigation for customs inspection.