New version of “Prevention of Pest Contamination of Containers: Joint Industry Guidelines for the Cleaning of Containers”
MEDIA RELEASE
New, updated version released of “Prevention of Pest Contamination of Containers: Joint Industry Guidelines for the Cleaning of Containers”
24 March 2023 – Every year, 241 million containers are transported across the seas with over 7 trillion dollars’ worth of food, clothes, electronics and other goods we all need. While crucial for the smooth functioning of the global supply chain, containers and their cargoes can also harbour and transfer contaminating pests. All parties in the supply chain have a shared responsibility for stopping the spread of pests by keeping cargo and containers clean when in their custody. The updated Prevention of Pest Contamination of Containers: Joint Industry Guidelines for the Cleaning of Containers published by BIC, COA, IICL and WSC provide easy-to-use best practices to help everyone carry out their responsibilities.
The original version of the Joint Industry Guidelines for the Cleaning of Containers, published in 2017, was well received by regulators and industry, and has become a valued source of guidance when it comes to preventing pest contamination. Since then, we have learned more about the transfer of pests, our climate conditions have changed, and trade has grown. Together these developments send a clear message: Pest contamination is an issue of societal concern. In response, industry parties representing different parts of the container supply chain – the Bureau International des Containers (BIC), the Container Owners Association (COA), the Institute of International Container Lessors (IICL) and World Shipping Council (WSC) – are now launching an updated version of the guidelines.
Experience shows that the introduction of new pests can severely upset an existing ecosystem, with serious ecological consequences and possibly billion dollar impacts on a nation’s economy. Regulators and national authorities play a central role in stopping the transfer of pests, but given the scale of global trade it is prevention – stopping pests from entering cargo or containers in the first place – that is the best solution. With the updated “Prevention of Pest Contamination of Containers: Joint Industry Guidelines for the Cleaning of Containers” BIC, COA, IICL and WSC are looking to further improve the level of prevention across the supply chain to stop the transfer of pests.
“When each party in international container supply chains makes sure to start and end their work with clean cargo and containers, then containers will reach their destination faster while our agriculture, forestry and natural resources are preserved,” says Lars Kjaer, Senior Vice President of WSC.
All partiesin the supply chain – from manufacturers, to exporters, packers, freight forwarders, inland logistics providers, warehouse storage providers, ocean carriers, and importers – must take responsibility for maintaining cargo and containers clean when in their care. By applying the best practices described in this Guide the parties can keep containers and their cargoes clean, fulfilling their custodial responsibility and reducing the risk of pest contamination and transfer.
Download your free copy here: Prevention of Pest Contamination of Containers: Joint Industry Guidelines for the Cleaning of Containers
The “Prevention of Pest Contamination of Containers: Joint Industry Guidelines for the Cleaning of Containers” are complementary to the direction provided in various guidelines published by the IPPC and in the IMO/ILO/UNECE Code of Practice for Packing Cargo Transport Units (“CTU Code”) regarding prevention of pest contamination of containers.
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Contact
Anna Larsson, Communications Director
Tel: +47 484 06 919
Email: [email protected]
About World Shipping Council
The World Shipping Council is the united voice of liner shipping, working with policymakers and industry groups to shape the future growth of a socially responsible, environmentally sustainable, safe, and secure shipping industry. We are a non-profit trade association with offices in Brussels, Singapore, London and Washington, D.C. The WSC has observer status at the UN IMO. Read more at www.worldshipping.org
About Bureau International des Containers
The Bureau International des Containers (BIC) was founded in 1933 under the auspices of the ICC as a neutral, non-profit, international organization. BIC seeks to promote efficiency, safety, security, standardization and sustainability in the container supply chain. Publisher of the BIC Code Register since 1970, BIC also operates other industry databases, including the BoxTech Global Container Database (bic-boxtech.org), the BIC Facility Code Database, and the Global ACEP Database. BIC holds official observer status at IMO, WCO, and UN/CEFACT. BIC participated in developing the CTU Code. www.bic-code.org
About Container Owners Association
The Container Owners Association is the international organisation representing the common interests of all owners of freight containers. The principle aims of the COA are to provide global expertise, to promote common standards and to facilitate international lobbying. More information is available at: www.containerownersassociation.com
About Institute of International Container Lessors
The Institute of International Container Lessors (IICL) is the leading trade association of the container and chassis leasing industry. The IICL’s membership engages in leasing marine cargo containers and chassis to vessel operators and other organizations on a broad international basis. Members own or manage a significant portion of the global leased container and U.S. chassis fleets. More information is available at: www.iicl.org