Cargo Integrity Group
GSF/ICHCA present Avoiding Pest Contamination of Ocean Freight Containers (NASCI Initiative)
Against a backdrop of threatened regulation by international agencies the North American, Sea Container Initiative is working to raise awareness of the risks of inadvertent transfer of invasive plant and animal species between nations in ocean freight containers and their cargoes.
This is a critical global issue that threatens national economic resources around the world and is under close regulatory review.
NASCI is a joint government/business activity that has developed advisory material and practical guidance resources for shippers and cargo handlers responsible for the packing and of freight containers.
GSF and ICHCA believe it is essential that industry act now to head off possible new regulatory controls that will introduce new costs and delays to container shipments.
This presentation by the NASCI team will:
- Update you on the threat to biodiversity and economically significant crops and natural resources from invasive species
- Present case studies of how species are transferred between ecosystems and the effects they can have
- Describe practical examples of steps shippers and cargo handlers can take to avoid inadvertent contamination of containers and cargoes by pests.
- Provide guidance and advice based on the internationally recognized Guide to Packing Cargo Transport Units (the CTU Code)
This is an exclusive and essential briefing for GSF and ICHA members, especially relevant for:
- Exporters
- Importers
- Container packers
- Groupage agents
- Container yard operators
- Container cleaners and repairers
The Cargo Integrity Group main participants:
The “Cargo Integrity Group” builds on work commenced by a grouping of industry associations to raise awareness and greater uptake of the CTU Code (the IMO/ILO/UNECE Code of Practice for Packing of Cargo Transport Units) 2014 edition.
The industry associations joining with ICHCA on this initiative are:
- Global Shippers’ Forum
- TT Club
- World Shipping Council (WSC)
- Container Owners Association (COA)
- International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations (FIATA)
- Bureau International des Containers (BIC)
In recent months the grouping has started communicating with other relevant organisations including:
- International Chamber of Shipping
- and Danish Shipping
At a joint meeting held at the offices of WSC and Danish Shipping, the group agreed 10 important workstreams that are to be developed as resources permit.
These workstreams (in brief) are:
- developing messages and content to inform shippers about the basics of the Code and the top 10 risky cargo types;
- looking at existing terms and conditions of carriage and whether changes can be recommended;
- a revision cycle for the CTU Code and IMO circulars pertaining to it;
- supporting the IMO, ILO and UNECE in development of an app;
- develop submissions to relevant bodies on revision of Dangerous Goods Special Provisions;
- undertake a mapping exercise between HS commodity Codes and UN DG numbers;
- consider contributing to the WCO (World Customs Organization) review of SAFE;
- consolidate guidance for cargo screening operatives;
- support and participate in the work at CCC on MSC circular revision;
- participate in the planned CTU Code Review and improve guidance to parties on pest contamination and container cleanliness.
As each workstream is developed the website will be updated and also noted in ICHCA’s publications.
The core group is being further widened to include key industry bodies who were invited to a launch of the new “CTU Code “A Quick Guide” incorporating a “Check-list” for packers of Freight Containers in September 2020
Key documents
Useful links & documents
First session | Second session | Third session | Fourth session
Knowledge and training resources on the CTU Code:
UNECE searchable website | ILO | IMO | UNECE
European Commission Road Safety Rules and Guidelines
International Road Transport Union (IRU) Guidelines