A Chinese regulation (updated August 3 to include US exports) requires exporters to fumigate and certify that cargo is mosquito free prior to entry into China, or face fumigation measures there. Steamship lines have begun to issue advisories. This will most certainly disrupt the US exporter’s ability to deliver goods affordably and on-time to foreign customers in China. The AgTC is determining the answers to the following questions:
  • What will the cost be?
  • Who will absorb the cost?
  • Will it make US goods uncompetitive?
  • What happens to goods that are currently on the water in transit to China?
  • Can high volume cargo even fumigate at the scale they operate at?
  • Which fumigants are acceptable? Methyl bromide? Phostoxin?
  • Which fumigants can work with food-grade products?
  • Is it better to fumigate in the US or upon arrival in China?
  • Which certification parties are acceptable?
  • How much time will it add to the supply chain?