IGNORANCE OF the
rules governing ISPM 15
compliance coupled with
unscrupulous operators
who don’t play by the rules
is impacting negatively
on South Africa’s shipping
industry
The International
Standards for Phytosanitary
Measures (ISPM) came into
effect in South Africa on
March 1, 2005 and demand
that all import and export
solid wood packaging be
fumigated to reduce the risk
of spreading quarantine pests
globally.
But few shippers and
forwarders are up to speed
on the requirements, while
a number of operators are
cutting corners with serious
implications, says Dominique
Sauvage, managing director
of East Rand-based Scientific
Pest Control Services.
“Very often an agent
or shipper will appoint the
cheapest available contractor
who will issue a certificate. In
South Africa the competency
of a contractor is never
evaluated at any stage which
has serious implications for
South Africa’s reputation
globally.”
With 23 years of
experience in the field,
Sauvage is passionate about
raising standards in the sector
by educating the industry.
“For example, a lot of
people are unaware that
items like foam rubber, skins
and hides and original oil
paintings can’t be fumigated
with methyl bromide,” says
Sauvage.
“They’re also sometimes
not aware that plywood,
particle board, sawdust and
wood shavings are exempt
from the ruling.”
At last count there were
41 participating countries
and the list is growing, which
is all the more reason for
greater industry awareness.
“It’s crucial for exporters
and their forwarding
agents to understand the
compliance criteria,” says
Sauvage. “If they don’t the
financial implications are
often costly.”
Scientific Pest Control
Services runs regular
seminars for the industry, at
no charge. An informationfilled
booklet comes as part
of the package.
Anyone interested should
contact Sauvage who will
gladly schedule a date.
Pest control specialist offers free seminars on ISPM compliance
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