When exporting goods across borders, it is required that they are safe. One such mandatory document, which will help in smooth export clearance, especially while shipping in wood packaging material, is the Fumigation Certificate. In this blog, we will break down all that you would like to learn about it, be it its definition or how to procure one in India, along with how Afleo, a leading export-import consultancy agency, can assist.
What is a Fumigation Certificate?
A Fumigation Certificate is an official certificate issued by a government-endorsed agency that confirms that the export cargo has undergone fumigation using approved fumigants approved by a licensed agency to eradicate pests, insects or microbial pathogens to ensure no biosecurity threat from exported products to the importing country.
The certificate is more applicable for international trade as the majority of countries worldwide, for example, the United States, European Union, Australia, and New Zealand, are subject to strict biosecurity legislation. The certificate also seems to be a formal requirement for customs clearance and is prescriptive, aligned to international standards such as ISPM 15, which is specific to wood packaging material.
Who Issues It?
In India, fumigation can only be done by licensed fumigation agencies registered with the Directorate of Plant Protection, Quarantine & Storage (DPPQS). This registered fumigation agency is also able to issue certificates for chemical fumigation.
Why Is a Fumigation Certificate Required for Exports?
Some countries have extremely strict regulatory frameworks in place for the importation of foreign pests and pathogens. Here are four reasons fumigation is required:
- Pest Infestation: Fumigation eliminates pests, insects and destructive organisms in the goods and their packaging.
- Regulations: Some countries, such as the United States and Australia, do not allow untreated wooden packing notation for agricultural products.
- Wooden Packing Requirements: ISPM 15 states ‘all wooden pallets, crates, or dunnage must be treated and stamped’.
- Organic and Agricultural Products: Rice, wheat, pulses, and spices are usually infested with insects and need to be fumigated.
- Compliance for Customs Clearance: Non-compliant cargo will not be cleared from ports, resulting in delay, penalty, or re-export.
Commodities & Packaging Requiring Fumigation
The following are the common commodities and products that typically require fumigation treatment:
- Wooden pallets and crates
- Wooden handicrafts
- Exported machinery or equipment with wooden dunnage
Re-used or second-hand packing materials
Types of Fumigation Methods Used
1. Full Container Load (FCL) Process
Used when a product of one exporter fills a whole container to the top. The entire container is sealed and fumigated.
Time: 24-48 hours
Precaution: The container needs to be sealed from and after fumigation until de-gassing is conducted.
2. Loose Container Load (LCL) Process
Used when cargo from different exporters is consolidated in one container.
Process: Different sections of cargoes are delineated and fumigated separately, sometimes involving coordination between different parties.
3. In-Warehouse or On-Site Fumigation
Used for warehoused or factory-stored merchandise before containerization.
Advantage: Convenient, does not entail logistic time and expense in ports.
Common Fumigants Used
Common chemicals used in fumigation are listed below:
- Methyl Bromide: Rapid and effective; widely accepted throughout the world.
- Aluminium Phosphide: Used mainly on grains and stored commodities.
- Sulfuryl Fluoride: Used as an alternative to methyl bromide in certain nations due to its effects on the environment.
How to Obtain a Fumigation Certificate in India (Step-by-Step)
The step-by-step procedure to acquire a Fumigation Certificate is as follows:
Step 1 – Appoint a DPPQS-Approved Fumigation Company
Afleo helps exporters find government-approved fumigators.
Step 2 – Arrange Fumigation & Clean the Cargo
Make the products and packaging safe. Repair fumigation according to the shipping schedule.
Step 3 – Process of Fumigation
The container or package is treated with a chosen fumigant. The cargo is sealed and exposed.
Step 4 – Aeration and De-Gassing
The cargo is aerated after exposure to eliminate any remaining gases so that it can be made safe for handlers and shipping.
Step 5 – Issue of Certificate
After the process is finished, the certificate is issued by the fumigation agency the same day or within 24 hours.
Validity & Fumigation Certificate Cost
Validity: Typically 21 to 30 days based on the fumigant used.
Cost: Approx 10k per FCL Shipment and Per pallet 2k approx for LCL per pallet cargo
Determinants of Cost
- Volume and weight of cargo
- Type of packaging
- Type of fumigant used
- Distance from the fumigation service provider
Fumigation Certificate vs. Phytosanitary Certificate
| Feature | Fumigation Certificate | Phytosanitary Certificate |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Confirms treatment to eliminate pests | Certifies product is pest/disease-free |
| Issued by | DPPQS-approved fumigation agencies | Plant Quarantine authorities |
| Required For | Wood packaging, cargo containers | Agricultural produce, plants |
| International Compliance | ISPM 15 | SPS Agreement |
| Validity | 21-30 days | Per shipment (based on inspection) |
Afleo’s Support for Exporters
Being a reliable export documentation and compliance partner, Afleo provides: