The import and export business is always fraught with the danger of transportation of pests to/from a country. Therefore, shipping container fumigation is a legal requirement in almost every country in the world.
Several pest control companies offer container fumigation services in Abu Dhabi. But, before you go about choosing one, you must know what container fumigation is all about.
What do you mean by container fumigation?
As the term denotes, it means fumigating a shipping container to exterminate potential pests and making it pest-proof. It is carried out as a precautionary measure to protect the cargo and the country where it lands. Also, it is necessary for obtaining a phytosanitary certificate from the authorities.
Fumigation is a prerequisite for both outbound and inbound shipping containers because you never know what type of quarantine pests you’re sending or bringing in along with your cargo.
Quarantine pests are exotic pests that can have a devastating effect on the country on all fronts, posing threats of new outbreaks. So businesses involved in logistics and shipping have to follow the container fumigation guidelines proposed by the national and international laws.
What the procedure entails and costs
The container fumigation procedure may vary from provider to provider and container to container. However, the chemicals used will be safe and as per the standard protocols. Methyl bromide and phosphine gas are the most commonly used fumigants as they are accepted as safe and effective, across the world.
1. Isolating the container: Container fumigation can be carried out with contents or without. Before the process starts, it is important that the container is isolated from all human access or cordoned off within a 5-metre radius. There will also be warning signs placed around it.
2.Pressure test: Initially, a pressure decay test is conducted to check whether the container is in good shape or not. If there are leaks found on the structures, the container is wrapped with a tarp. This process is called tarp fumigation.
3.Injecting the gas: Either way, the gas is then pumped into the container through an inserted probe. The doors will remain closed to make the container airtight. After a set time, through natural aeration, the fumigants are removed from the container.
4.Completion: After fumigation, a sticker is attached to the container bearing such details as the date and time of the procedure, name of the fumigator and the technician.
Proof of Fumigation (or Pest Control Certificate)
The sticker alone will not serve as proof for cargo clearance. Therefore, the fumigation company or service provider will issue a certificate containing details such as:
- Detailed procedure of the treatment
- Purpose
- Fumigants used
- Temperature range
- Nature of the contents
The certificate is also called the pest control certificate, which confirms that the fumigation was done in the proper manner.
ISPM 15 stamp
Since wood materials are at constant risk of pest attacks, the ISPM 15 stamp is mandatory. A must-have for hardwood, softwood and all wood pieces (>6mm thickness) present in the packaging, the stamp states that wooden materials are all fumigated adhering to the ISPM 15 guidelines and hence safe for shipping.
Fumigation costs
The cost of container fumigation also varies with the size of the container (20ft, 40ft, etc.) and the complexity of the procedure that needs to be administered. For example, if the project requires tarp fumigation, the costs are bound to be higher. However, we always maintain reasonable pricing for fumigation services.
Armour Pest Control is a Dubai Municipality approved pest control company operating in the UAE. We specialise in fumigation services for import and export containers, food storage and processing plants, manufacturing & warehousing facilities and more. Our services are available in Dubai Marina, Arabian Ranches, JLT and across Dubai and Abu Dhabi. If you are looking for fumigation services in Abu Dhabi or Dubai, feel free to contact our team.