Countries Requiring Fumigation

Countries Requiring Fumigation

There is no fixed 'list of countries requiring fumigation' that applies to every product at all times. The requirement is determined by the destination country, the HS code of the goods, the country of origin or dispatch, the target pest, the type of packaging, the mode of transport and seasonal biosecurity measures. Of two different consignments sent to the same country, one may require treatment while the other does not.

ISPM 15 and fumigation are not the same thing

Many countries require ISPM 15 compliance for raw wood packaging. However, fumigation is not the only method accepted under ISPM 15; other methods such as heat treatment may also be used. For this reason, 'ISPM 15 is required' does not automatically mean 'methyl bromide fumigation is mandatory'.

Which markets apply strict controls?

Australia and New Zealand operate detailed biosecurity programmes that vary by commodity, trade route and season. The United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, European Union countries, China, Japan, South Korea and many other markets also set phytosanitary requirements for wood packaging or specific plant products. However, the accepted treatment, dosage, exposure period and documentation must be checked separately for each country and each product.

Seasonal programmes such as BMSB

Under the programmes applied against the risk of the brown marmorated stink bug, the target risk countries, shipment dates and product groups may be updated on a seasonal basis. For some consignments, heat treatment or an accepted fumigation method is offered as an option, while other consignments may only be subject to inspection.

Pre-shipment checklist

• Check the official import database of the destination country
• Verify the HS code and the botanical/technical description of the product
• Assess the countries of origin, dispatch and transhipment
• Check the ISPM 15 status of the wood packaging
• Confirm the accepted treatment and the certificate format
• Review the time allowed between treatment and loading, and the sealing requirements

The right approach

Sharing only the country name at the quotation or booking stage is not enough. The product, packaging, container, shipment date and port of destination must all be assessed together. Atılım Fumigation carries out a preliminary assessment of whether treatment is required and which method is appropriate on the basis of this information; the current official requirements prevail in the final application.

Sources: The official resources of the IPPC (ISPM 15, ISPM 43), the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry of the Republic of Turkiye, the UNEP Ozone Secretariat, the US EPA, the Australian DAFF and New Zealand MPI have been taken as the basis.