Pest Week – Day 4: Joint industry guidelines for cleaning of containers

Today’s content was produced by: the COA, IICL, WSC and ICHCA.

 

The joint industry guidelines for cleaning of containers are for operators in direct control of containers.  In a simple table and supporting information, the guidelines set out a template for where and when inspection should occur, identifies the party responsible for taking action and introduces the principal cleaning methods for different types of visible pest contamination.

 

The material complements the Code of Practice for Packing Cargo Transport Units (CTU Code).

 

• Prevention of pest contamination of containers: joint industry guidelines for cleaning of containers: https://ichca.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Pest_Contamination_Cleaning_Guidelines_Feb_2017.pdf

 

Background Information:

 

World food security and biodiversity is at risk from contaminating pests.  Plant pests and diseases are responsible for the loss of up to 40% of global food crops and trade losses exceeding $220bn annually.  The UN Commission on Phytosanitary Measures’ expert Focus Group and Industry Advisory Group are looking at potential pest contamination on sea containers.  In particular: container exterior and interior cleanliness, cargo cleanliness as well as risks of pest contamination in the international containerized supply chain.  ICHCA is part of the Industry Advisory group.

 

Following on from the successful international sea container conference last week, we are taking the opportunity to promote current guidance and information from various sources that address the management of invasive pest risk.