The transfer of invasive pests between countries by inadvertent contamination of freight containers and their cargoes is now recognised by many governments as a serious risk to native plant species and agricultural crops.

 

Pests find their way into and onto containers during storage, packing, or from previous cargoes. Evidence of contamination is often difficult to detect and often goes unnoticed.

 

As the owners of cargoes being transported shippers have a key role to play in avoiding pest contamination but are dependent on the supply of pest-free, empty containers by shipping lines and container owners. They also rely on the responsible actions of container packers that undertake the loading of goods into containers on shippers’ behalf.

 

Several countries have already introduced strict requirements for the treatment of containers before they are imported.

Action is now underway at international level to develop new global measures to reduce the risks of transfer and could impose new obligations on shippers for the cleaning and treatment of containers during packing.

 

GSF is speaking up for shippers in the development of these new global measures and ensuring the responsibilities of all parties are fairly shared

 

In addition, GSF is working with other international trade bodies in the Cargo Integrity Group to develop advice and guidance on the packing of goods in containers and other transport units, based on the IMO/ILO/UNECE Code of Practice for Packing of Cargo Transport Units (the CTU Code)

 

The Cargo Integrity Group has published a Quick Guide to the CTU Code and a Container Packing Checklist to assist in understanding the CTU Code’s advice and recommendations.

 

CIG Risk Based Measures to Prevent Pest Contamination 210726

 

Join GSF to understand the scope and potential requirements of new global measures on pest contamination avoidance and how it could impact shippers’ responsibilities.