To be acceptable for fumigation, an empty container must be in sound (good) conditions with no holes or other opening in nay part of the walls, floor or ceiling that cannot be sealed. Therefore before attempting to fumigate a container a careful inspection should be made. A certain amount of sealing may be necessary if ventilation or drainage apertures are present and any cracks or holes caused by accidental damage must also be sealed with masking tape or some other suitable material. The door must be closed tightly against the rubber gasket. Badly fitting doors may need to be taped over around the edges and where the door meets. Badly damaged containers should be fumigated under tarpaulin.
Preloading preparations can eliminate may potential leaks. The container may be lined with minimum 6-mil polyethylene sheeting. Even if some leaks develop due to mechanical damage during loading, less leakage will result when a lining is used.




The container must not be closely stacked with cargo. Sufficient space must be left for distribution of the gas over, under and through the load. The container should not be loaded with more than two thirds of its capacity, unless otherwise specified in the treatment schedule. Commodities that have no penetration or circulation problem can be allowed a load limit of 80% of the space. The commodities should be more than 60cm (2ft) from the ceiling. In order to provide sufficient space for air movement, part of the load can be placed under the container (if on chasis) or stacked around the container (if under tarp).

Preloaded containers with non- permeable cargo, that is, contents wrapped or packaged with non- permeable materials, will need to be unloaded from the container and the contents opened for fumigation. Cello phone, plastic, polyethylene, vinyl, waterproof paper, waxed and laminated materials and even tight wooden packing cases are relatively gas tight. Contents that are difficult to penetrate are also difficult to aerate after treatment.


An axial type fan with a capacity of at least 71m3/ min (2500 CFM) must be used the circulate the fumigant. The fan must be placed at the open door and positioned to blow over the floor towards the back of the container. The fan should run 15-20 minutes after the introduction at the fumigant. If several containers are fumigated under the same sheet, additional fans are necessary. For every container under the sheet, a fan of 71m3/min (2500 CFM) capacity should be used.


The gas may be introduced through a gas injection nozzle (or application points) in the side of the containers. The containers operated by some companies are provided with application points at roof level, one point for a 20 ft container and two points for a 40 ft container. The gas may also be introduced through a tube or nozzles inserted at the door overlap (gasket) on top where the doors meet.

If the container has not been fitted with application points, it may be possible to drill a small hole in the wall or at the pivet. To accord with Customs requirements the hole should not exceed 3 mm in diameter.

If the fumigant is applied from cans or cylinders, the cans should be warmed in hot water for a few minutes before use to aid the rapid delivery of the contents and they subsequent vaporization. When gas are released from cylinders, warming is through the volatilizes.


Containers should be aerated thoroughly before being released for unloading or loading. The doors should remain closed pending loading/unloading to prevent possible reinfestation.