Call for risk-based measures to prevent cargo pest contamination

The call by the five partners of the Cargo Integrity Group (CIG) follows moves by pest control experts under the auspices of the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC), to take all-encompassing, internationally imposed steps to mitigate pest contamination risks.

One potential measure which is being seriously considered according to CIG is mandatory certification of cleanliness for all containers prior to loading on board a ship. The members warned this would have a significant impact on global trade in terms of time and cost.

Lars Kjaer, Senior Vice President of the World Shipping Council (WSC), explained the CIG partners concerns around the proposals: “We know that more serious risks occur among certain types of goods and from identified regions. The CIG recommendation centres on the need to provide proper risk assessments in defined trades and focus mandatory measures on these high-risk areas and cargoes.”

The CIG partners stressed the need to for full consultation with appropriate bodies in formulating new measures.

James Hookham, Secretary General of Global Shippers Forum, ““There are identified risk areas and cargoes which must be addressed, and the CIG partners look forward to contributing essential industry expertise to the work of the IPPC to ensure an effective and efficient set of recommendations and best practices to stop the transfer of invasive species.”