New regulations have now been implemented with regards to goods being exported abroad free from pests and diseases. The regulations by the WTO (World Trade Organisation) are being adopted by a number of countries. Shipping Agents need to understand, take notice and train staff accordingly with the stringent rules known as ISPM15 in order to protect their credibility, and clients from financial loss.

• These regulations have been introduced by countries around the world and originated from the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) in response to the growing concerns over the spread of plant pests and diseases.

• Non-compliance has serious repercussions with customs able to dictate the fate of the exported goods, which will be subject to either re-packaging, destruction or return to the country of origin. All of the aforesaid at the Shipping Agent’s cost which in terms of money and credibility to exporting businesses can be very devastating.

• To remain compliant all shipments using any species of sawn wood packaging require to be fumigated or heat treated and stamped with the approved stamp, before goods are allowed entry or crossing through a participating country.

• The new regulations leave businesses with no option but to ensure that their goods are properly fumigated, before they are exported. Termapest Ltd in Northern Ireland has invested to create a unique centre of excellence at the Belfast Docks approved by the Forestry Commission to provide fumigation treatments to the set International Standards.

• Asian Longhorn Beetle (Anoplophora glabripenis) which has been linked to infested wood packaging material imported from China, has had some great impact in the United States, whilst in the UK dozens of incidents have also been recorded. Longhorn Beetle attacks elm, hors chestnut, poplar and willow trees and without these tough regulations the damage caused by the beetle could reach the proportions if not worse destruction than that caused by the Dutch elm Disease in the 70’s.

• Also causing great concern is the Pinewood Nematode (Bursaphelenchus xylophilus), a microscopic eelworm which has destroyed huge numbers of Pine Trees in Japan & China. Within three months of becoming infested, affected trees start to wilt and turn from yellow to brown.

• Phytophthora ramorum is a fungus, which causes sudden Oak death and has been found in three secret locations in the UK. It was first identified in trees along the west coast of America where it has killed tens of thousands of Oaks in California alone. In the UK the first case appeared in Sussex in 2003 in a Southern Red Oak and further cases were confirmed early in December 2003 in trees in the south west of England.

• Early in 2004, a second new species of Phytophthora, was discovered causing disease on rhododendrons and a nearby beech tree. This new pathogen has yet to be given a formal scientific name, but has been dubbed Phytophthora kernoviae by its discoverer, it was also known as Phytophthora Taxon C or PTC.

Fumigation is the treatment process which involves the introduction of highly toxic gases into a controlled atmosphere, such as that provided by freight containers.

Termapest Ltd staff are specialised in providing fumigation to goods for export or quarantine. Our facility at the docks ensures that the standards set up by the Forestry Commission can be met especially with the cold climate temperatures experienced in the UK.

Fumigation in order to meet the required standards requires the following procedures:

1. Shipping Agent needs to inform client of the need to treat goods being exported and contacts fumigation company so that arrangements can be made for timber to be stamped with the approved stamp prior to loading.

2. Container where goods are to be fumigated, needs to be in good condition in order that gas can be retained during the period of fumigation.

3. Container is transported to VT3 and driver to inform desk that it is a fumigation box and needs to be placed on lane 25

4. Termapest staff install gas line, 2x 3kw fan heaters, temperature probes into space inside the container, wood and externally and also gas sampling lines.

5. Vents and seals around the doors are taped to ensure gas remains inside container throughout the duration of the fumigation.

6. Fumigation will only start if temperature internally is above 10◦c (the minimum accepted level) and we aim to start it normally above 13◦c.

7. Methyl Bromide gas is introduced through a vaporiser boiling at 100◦c and measured to the temperature and size of the container.

8. Measurements of temperatures and gas levels are then taken at the start of the fumigation and after 30 minutes.

9. Control room is informed that container is under fumigation and is not to be removed.

10. After 2 hours, checks are once again carried out to ensure gas and temperature levels have not dropped to unacceptable levels.

11. If checks carried show optimum levels no further action is required, otherwise gas is topped up accordingly and a further checks will be carried out at 4 and 12 hours.

12. After 24 hours the last checks are carried out and gas levels should be at least 50% of the initial dose.

13. Container is opened and vented naturally or with the aid of powerful fans to aid a speedier gas release.

14. Finally once tests show that gas levels inside the container are Zero, container is closed, sealed and a certificate issued.

Termapest releases container as ready for shipping and client and control room are informed.