Alternative for this ISPM-15 treatments

02-06-2010

Since the 18th of March a ban on the use of methyl bromide has taken effect in the European Union. From this date, fumigations according to ISPM-15 is not allowed any more.

What is the alternative?
The only alternative for this ISPM-15 treatments of packaging wood is heat treatment. With this technique we heat up the inside air of the container, until the temperature in the core of the wooden products reaches a temperature of 56°C, for a period of 30 minutes. At this temperature all living stages (including the insect eggs), hidden in the wood, will be killed.
This treatments will be executed by means of circulating hot air in the container.

EWS and ISPM-15 Heat treatment
The execution of this ISPM-15 treatment, just like fumigation, has to be done by a licensed company. EWS NV has successfully tested several containers, and is certified for this treatment.
As proof of this treatment the pallets and other wood products have to be stamped.
The stamp is comparable to the one used for methyl bromide treatment, only the initials MB (MethylBromide) are to be replaced by HT (Heat Treatment). EWS will provide this stamps to create the possibility to mark the packaging wood while loading the cargo into the container.

Procedure:

Due to the ban on methyl bromide, there is no more need for official fumigation zones.
EWS created the possibility to execute the container treatments on our site in the port of Antwerp, situated on the site of Triway, address: Moerstraat , Antwerp.
Depending on the kind of cargo, loading rate and the temperature difference to be attained, the treatment will take 2 to 4 hours. No ventilation is needed.
You have to take into account a period of 24hours. This is the time we need to plan and execute the job.
The container can be taken in on trailer, and be picked up 24 hours later by your services.

If needed, the container can be lifted off, and EWS will take care of the transport to the export quay.

Heat sensitive cargo + alternatives

What in case of non heat resistant cargo?
Cargo with destination Australia can be fumigated with Sulfuryl difluoride, SO2F2 (PROFUME). This treatment is accepted by AQIS (Australian Quarantine & inspection Service). This treatment is supposed to be accepted by China and India in the future, but no official declaration on this so far.
In all other cases of cargo export, an alternative treatment can be offered. Each execution of this treatment will be studied case by case.

Bron:

By: EWS Fumigation

Back to the news