All about the Fumigation Certificate

Quick overview

A fumigation certificate records a fumigation treatment carried out on specified goods, packaging or a container. It is not a document required for every international ocean shipment.

Requirements depend on the cargo, packaging material, destination and applicable import conditions. For regulated solid-wood packaging, ISPM 15 compliance normally involves debarked wood, an approved treatment and the authorized IPPC mark. Fumigation is one treatment option; it is not the only approved method.

When might a fumigation certificate be required?

A certificate may be needed when import conditions require fumigation of a commodity, packaging or a consignment. The importing authority can specify the accepted treatment, provider approval and documentary evidence.

Before booking, confirm:

• What material or goods require treatment.
• Which treatment methods the destination accepts.
• Whether an IPPC mark, treatment certificate, phytosanitary certificate or additional declaration is required.
• Whether the treatment provider must be approved under a destination-specific scheme.

A certificate cannot correct the use of an unacceptable treatment or replace a required marking simply because it records pest-control work.

What does ISPM 15 cover?

ISPM 15 addresses pest risks associated with wood packaging made from raw wood in international trade. Examples include solid-wood pallets, crates, skids, packing blocks and dunnage.

It regulates the packaging material, not every product placed inside a container. Timber, plants, food and other commodities can have separate import conditions.

Certain materials are outside the standard’s scope, including packaging made wholly from qualifying processed wood such as plywood or oriented strand board. Packaging made entirely from wood 6 mm thick or less is also exempt under the standard.

A crate made from plywood can still contain solid-wood framing subject to requirements. Check every component rather than relying on the material used for its panels.

Approved treatment codes

Each treatment must meet the standard’s applicable technical requirements and be performed within the authorized certification system. Destination rules, chemical restrictions and provider availability must also be checked.

Conventional HT requires at least 56°C for at least 30 continuous minutes throughout the wood profile, including its core. Other treatments have their own specifications.

Fumigation must be carried out by appropriately qualified providers. Do not apply a generic exposure time or chemical dose from a shipping article.

Does kiln drying count as ISPM 15 treatment?

Kiln drying mainly reduces moisture. It can form part of a compliant heat-treatment process when the required ISPM 15 heat-treatment conditions are achieved and compliance is properly certified.

A kiln-dried label or KD stamp alone does not establish ISPM 15 compliance. The applicable authorized IPPC marking is still required.

ISPM 15 does not set a general wood-moisture percentage that makes untreated packaging compliant. Moisture specifications for storage, product quality or particular commodity imports are separate requirements.

How to check the IPPC mark

A compliant mark identifies:

• The IPPC symbol.
• The country code.
• The authorized producer or treatment-provider code.
• The treatment code.

The mark should be legible and applied by an authorized operator. Do not create, copy or alter it yourself.

Check the packaging’s condition as well. Treatment does not provide permanent protection from later contamination. Visible pests, bark beyond permitted tolerances or unauthorized repairs can create compliance problems despite an existing mark.

Certificate, mark and phytosanitary certificate: different purposes

These are not interchangeable. Follow the destination’s requirements for the particular material and shipment.

When a fumigation certificate is required, check the shipment identification, treated material, treatment date and location, provider details and the treatment information specified by the importing authority. That can include the fumigant, exposure, temperature and concentration records.

Additional requirements for Australia and New Zealand

Australia and New Zealand have destination-specific biosecurity rules. Wood-packaging compliance and seasonal brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB) measures are separate checks.

BMSB requirements can depend on the goods, origin or shipment route, shipping dates, transport method and treatment arrangements. Do not assume an ISPM 15 mark satisfies every seasonal requirement.

Check the current Australian import conditions and New Zealand wood-packaging requirements before shipping.

Checklist before dispatch

1. Identify all packaging and dunnage materials.
2. Check current destination and transit requirements.
3. Use an authorized provider for any required treatment.
4. Verify markings and supporting documents.
5. Keep treated packaging protected from contamination.
6. Send the required evidence to the destination agent before arrival.

Check wood requirements while planning container loading, especially when adding solid-wood blocking or bracing.