WOODEN BOXES/ PALLETS FUMIGATION

The process of wooden box fumigation involves using a fumigant gas to penetrate the wooden box or wooden pallets and kill any pests or its larva inside. The most commonly used fumigant gas for wooden box fumigation is methyl bromide.

1) Before fumigation, the wooden boxes or wooden pallets must be properly prepared. This includes removing any loose bark or debris from the boxes, as well as sealing any gaps or holes to ensure that the fumigant gas can properly penetrate the wood. And stamped with company IPPC mark(IN-1005/MB) and then boxes or pallets are loaded into a fumigation chamber, which is a sealed enclosure to contain the fumigant gas.

2) Once the wooden material are in the fumigation chamber, the fumigant gas is released into the chamber and allowed to circulate for a set period of time, typically between 24 to 72 hours as per rules and regulations. During this time, the gas penetrates the wood and kills any pests inside. After the fumigation is complete, the gas is ventilated out of the chamber and the wooden boxes are allowed to degras for a period of time before they can be handled or transported.

ISPM 15 Fumigation Process

1. Fumigation Method:
   • Methyl Bromide (CH3Br): This is the most commonly used fumigant for treating wood packaging materials. It is effective in killing various pests such as insects, larvae, and eggs that might be present in the wood.
   • Sulfuryl Fluoride: In some cases, this gas is used as an alternative to methyl bromide for fumigation.
2. Fumigation Procedure:
   • The wooden materials (like pallets or boxes) are placed in a sealed chamber.
   • The fumigant is introduced, and the chamber is sealed to allow the gas to penetrate the wood and kill any pests.
   • The fumigation process typically lasts for 24–48 hours, depending on the size and density of the wood and the type of fumigant used.
   • After the fumigation process, the wooden packaging must be aired out to remove any residual fumigant.
3. Certification:
   • After successful fumigation, the wood packaging materials must be marked with an official ISPM 15 stamp. The stamp includes:
     • The treatment provider’s registration number.
     • The country of origin.
     • The treatment method used (e.g., MB for Methyl Bromide).
     • The date of treatment.
   • This stamp proves that the wooden packaging meets the necessary requirements for export under ISPM 15.

Key Points to Remember:

• The treatment is necessary only for wood packaging materials (WPM), not the contents of the boxes or pallets.
• The standard applies to a wide range of wooden packaging materials, including crates, pallets, and dunnage used in shipping.
• Non-compliant wooden materials may be rejected, and shipments could be delayed or destroyed if they do not meet ISPM 15 standards.

Why Is ISPM 15 Important?

• Preventing the Spread of Pests: ISPM 15 aims to reduce the risk of pests like beetles, termites, and other harmful insects from being transported internationally in untreated wooden packaging materials.
• Global Compliance: Most countries require wood packaging to meet ISPM 15 standards for international shipments. Compliance ensures that goods can be exported and imported without delays.

Would you like to explore more about the specifics of fumigation or other treatments for wooden packaging?