The World Shipping Council along with – the Bureau International des Containers (BIC), the Container Owners Association (COA), and the Institute of International Container Lessors (IICL) have released the updated version of the Prevention of Pest Contamination of Containers: Joint Industry Guidelines for the Cleaning of Containers.
The 2024 update of the Guidelines builds on the 2023 edition, further detailing the concept of custodial responsibility. This includes the inspections and measures each party in the supply chain should undertake while the container is in their custody, as well as the obligation for the receiving party to notify the tenderer of any visible pest contamination.
Each party in the international container supply chain has a custodial responsibility to ensure cargo and containers are clean upon arrival and departure. By adhering to these standards, containers will reach their destinations faster, and our agriculture, forestry, and natural resources will be protected.
… said Lars Kjaer, Senior Vice President of WSC
According to the WSC, the updated guidelines aim to enhance prevention across the supply chain, with all parties – from manufacturers to importers – responsible for maintaining clean cargo and containers. By implementing the best practices outlined in the guide, the risk of pest contamination and transfer can be significantly reduced.
These guidelines complement the directions set by the IPPC and the IMO/ILO/UNECE Code of Practice for Packing Cargo Transport Units (“CTU Code”) in preventing pest contamination of containers.
