F ID I SE RV I C E S THE THREAT OF PEST CONTAMINATION IN CONTAINERS AND HOW TO REDUCE IT New regulations have been proposed to mitigate the risk of sea container pest contamination, with likely implications for movers. Business Intelligence Manager Marie-Pascale Frix details FIDIs new resource page and what businesses can do now to prepare themselves for possible changes ahead T nt- MARIE-PASCALE FRIX he problem posed by invasive species in international shipments is a threat that is taken very seriously by governments and shipping authorities across the world. As national and international regulators are considering legislating against this threat globally, FIDI and the IAM are keeping an eye on what these new rules will mean for movers see the FIDI Focus online article and the joint statement, published on 8 December 2021. 74 FF305 Mar_May 22 pp74-75 Pest Contamination.indd 74 Reducing the spread of invasive pests by sea con Guidance from the International Plant Protection Conventions Sea Container Task Fo According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, plant See www.fidifocus.org/news/ pests and diseases are responsible for the loss fidi-issues-statement-onof up to 40 percent of global food crops each year. They also cause trade losses exceeding detrimental-phytosanitaryUSD 220 billion annually. Everyone across the proposals international sea container supply chain has an opportunity to help makeagainst sure containers In this global fight and their cargoes dont spread plant and contamination, every player animal pests. By taking recommended actions across international at critical the interchange points, yousea can keep containers and their cargoes help container supply chainclean hasand a role them move faster and easier through ports to to play, including the international their destination. removal industry. As the risk for pests to contaminate containers and their cargo is greatest at the location of packing and unpacking, how can movers help mitigate this . risk effectively? What to look for FOR WHAT TO LOOK Safety fir plants, plant products, and plant debris Exercise caution wh containers and the seeds Do not att container determined atmospher fumes are p safety prec soil beetles, moths, wasps, and bees; snails, slugs, ants, and spiders Do not att undercarr safe to do s mold and fungi insect and bird droppings or waste In marine visual insp due to safe from a dista visible pest egg masses animals, animal parts, blood, excreta, and reproductive components or parts thereof other contamination that shows visible signs of harboring pests Source: FAO/IPPC WWW. F I D I FOC U S . OR G 08/03/2022 08:31