ZIKA Fumigation Requirements for U.S. Cargo to China
ZIKA Fumigation Requirements for U.S. Cargo to China
August 24, 2016
On August 18, staff from the U.S. Embassy in Beijing met with The General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine (AQSIQ's) Department of Supervision and Health Quarantine. This is an update to U.S. companies interested in China's Zika requirements:
1. All U.S. - origin vessels that departed the United States after August 5 must comply with the new requirements as follow:
2. All shipments (air and sea vessels) originating from the United States are required to provide some of proof of disinsection at the Chinese port.
3. Disinsection does not require fumigation. Disinsection can be carried out by physical or chemical means. For physical, this could include trapping, air curtains, or other integrated pest management techniques. For chemical, this could include surface spraying, space spraying, or fumigation. It is the shipper's choice, but should take into account human health and safety.
4. The disinsection requirement (and therefore the proof of disinsection) applies to the container or vessel, NOT to the goods being shipped. Therefore, if the entire vessel can provide proof, in the form of a certificate, that the vessel is free of mosquitoes, then no additional inspection needs to be carried out.
5. The information to be included on the certificate has already been provided in the notice sent out by AQSIQ. See attached template.
6. Local CIQ inspectors will continue with their selective examination procedures and there will not be a separate Zika-related inspection process. However, if live mosquito eggs, larva, or mosquitoes are found during the inspection, disinsection will be required.
7. There is no disinsection certificate required for shipments that are chilled below 15 degrees Celsius (59 degrees Fahrenheit). But, if live mosquito eggs or larva are found by local CIQ inspectors at port, then disinsection will be required.
8. If there has been previous disinsection of the vessel (including fumigation) for other purposes (e.g., phytosanitary workplan), then proof of that treatment is sufficient proof for this Zika-requirement
9. Proof of disinsection does not need to be provided by a governmental body, or a government-approved body.
10. The disinsection treatment can be carried out at any point during the shipping process. For example, if the containers are disinsected before loading and certified as mosquito free, then loaded in a mosquito free environment, then this is sufficient.
Because the fumigation requirement is for the container and/or vessel and NOT the cargo (I.e. NOT for the lumber itself) The American Hardwood Export Council (AHEC) recommends that you communicate clearly with your shipping company to avoid duplication. We also recommend that you speak with your customers as it has been reported that the in many cases the importer of record has been paying the fumigation costs in order to minimize/eliminate demurrage charges.
The Chinese government also estimates that charges for fumigation at the port of entry will be 200 RMB (approximately $30) for a 20ft container and 400 RMB ($60) for a 40ft container. We have had feedback, however, claiming that these fees vary by port of entry. The USDA/FAS is interested in hearing from US exporters if the fees charged are out of line with Chinese government estimates.
Source: NHLA News and AHEC