To ensure that exported products meet international standards and maintain quality during packaging and transportation, please adhere to the following packaging area cleaning guidelines:
1. Packing Area Conditions
- Clean and dry: The packing area must be thoroughly cleaned, free from dust, oil, chemicals, or moisture.
- No contamination materials: Do not pack goods in areas with sand, leaves, cobwebs, insects, or other contaminants that could affect product cleanliness.
- Covered or enclosed area: The packaging area must be protected from direct exposure to rain, sunlight, or strong winds to prevent damage to the products during the transportation process.
2. Pre-packaging Inspection
- Product quality check: As part of the packaging area cleaning, ensure products are free from defects, rust, or damage before packing.
- Surface cleaning: Wipe off any dirt, fingerprints, or oil stains from the product surfaces. This is especially important for steel products requiring strict hygiene standards, such as steel tanks, steel hoppers, and precision machine parts.”
- Prepare export-standard packaging materials: Use packaging that complies with export standards to ensure durability and product protection.
3. Packaging Process
- Use protective materials: Wrap products with protective paper, bubble wrap, PE film, or desiccant bags as necessary.
- Correct packing technique: Secure products firmly inside the box to prevent movement or impact during transit.
- Label clearly: Each box must have labels with product information, handling instructions, and shipping details.
4. Final Inspection Before Export
- Evaluate overall packaging area cleaning and cleanliness: Ensure a clean environment is maintained throughout the packing process.
- Quality control review: Confirm that all products meet export quality standards.
- Final confirmation: Verify and confirm that the hygiene and packaging processes have been fully and properly executed.
FUMIGATION REQUIREMENTS BEFORE EXPORT
Steel goods shipped by sea often face long transportation times—up to 25 days to Europe, 18 days to the U.S., and 20 days to Australia. During this period, goods are stored in sealed containers exposed to high temperatures (over 40°C) and humidity, creating ideal conditions for mold and insect infestation. Therefore, fumigation is mandatory as part of the packaging area cleaning process before export.
1. Purpose of Fumigation
Fumigation eliminates insects such as termites, ants, and cockroaches to protect goods from damage, prevent contamination, and ensure compliance with import regulations in the destination country.
2. Fumigation Process
- Surface cleaning: Remove dirt and debris before fumigation.
- Apply appropriate disinfectant: Use the correct fumigant for each type of product.
- Fumigate wooden pallets: Spray fumigant on wooden pallets and stamp the treatment mark before signing documents.
- Container fumigation: Fumigate after goods are loaded and the container is sealed.
3. Goods Requiring Fumigation
Fumigation is required for:
- Storage areas: Warehouses or spaces used to store goods before export.
- Wood materials and packaging: Includes wood-based packaging like paper wrap or crates to prevent parasites.
- Wood-packaged products: Wooden crates, pallets, dunnage, ceramics, machinery, components, etc.
4. Timing of Fumigation
Fumigation is necessary when:
- Goods will undergo long sea transport or long-term warehouse storage.
- Complying with strict environmental and quarantine regulations from customs at the destination.
5. Fumigation Methods
There are two common methods for packaging area cleaning before goods are exported, including:
- LCL (Less-than-container load): Spray fumigant directly on the cargo.
- FCL (Full container load): Inject gaseous fumigant into the sealed container and hold it for the required duration.
6. Fumigation Certificate
A Fumigation Certificate is an official document confirming that goods have been properly fumigated and meet the import standards of the destination country.
7. Common Fumigation Errors
| Error | Description | Solution |
| No fumigation | Forgotten or importer didn’t request it | Implement strict pre-export quality control |
| Incorrect chemicals | Using fumigants not accepted by the importing country | Verify chemical requirements before fumigation |
| Substandard fumigation | Poor service or insufficient fumigation time | Choose a reputable fumigation service provider |
| Invalid documentation | Incorrect format or missing details | Double-check documents before sending to buyers |
8. Risks of Improper Fumigation
If fumigation is not properly conducted as part of packaging area cleaning, risks include:
- Shipment rejection or on-site destruction by customs.
- Return of goods to origin, incurring high costs.
- Fines from destination countries for violating quarantine rules.
Case Studies:
- No fumigation: A ceramic shipment to Europe was fined €20,000 and forced to return or be destroyed due to missing fumigation.
- Late fumigation: A handicraft exporter had to fumigate in Singapore at a cost of $600/container due to oversight.
- Substandard fumigation: Customs in Australia required re-fumigation at port, costing $1,000 AUD/container.
The packaging area cleaning is crucial for export success. Both large structural steel and smaller steel components must undergo thorough cleaning and packaging to meet export quality standards, enhance business reputation, and ensure customer satisfaction.
Contact Newinds today to discuss your requirements
Email: sales@newindscorp.com
Phone/Whatsapp: +84 868 482 038