Final report of the Sea Containers Task Force

The efficient and uninterrupted movement of trade relies on the efficient movement of sea containers through a complex logistical system. The Sea Containers Task Force (SCTF) presented key considerations to the Commission on Phytosanitary Measures (CPM) to ensure that any decisions are taken in light of detailed information. These considerations include the type of commodity, handling and storage, tracking stakeholders, contracting parties, and costs associated with container inspections. SCTF considered possible ways forward to address the issue, including voluntary measures, an IPPC Recommendation, an IPPC Recommendation and an International Standard for Phytosanitary Measures (ISPM), and a new ISPM without updating the existing recommendation.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 48 pages
Publication date: 06 September 2022
Publisher: Food & Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)

The efficient and uninterrupted movement of trade is crucial for the success of national economies, and sea container operations play a vital role in facilitating this movement. With over 220 million containers shipped each year, the scale of these operations is monumental, making any changes to the system significant. The Sea Containers Task Force (SCTF) recognized the importance of considering various challenges, opportunities, and considerations when addressing the issue of pest contamination of sea containers.

One key consideration is the potential for contamination of containers due to the type of commodity being transported and the handling and storage practices prior to packing. The SCTF noted that there was no way to track all stakeholders involved, leading to a lack of full accountability and custodianship. Additionally, contracting parties may struggle to carry out inspections due to the large volume of container movements, and the costs associated with these inspections can be high.

To address these challenges, the SCTF considered several possible ways forward. These include voluntary measures developed and implemented by industry sectors, the development of an IPPC Recommendation, the development of an IPPC Recommendation and an International Standard for Phytosanitary Measures (ISPM), with the revision of the Recommendation being a first and transitional step towards adoption of ISPM, and the development of a new ISPM without updating.

Each of these courses of action has its advantages and disadvantages, and the SCTF emphasized the need for careful consideration of these factors before making any decisions. The SCTF's work on pest contamination of sea containers is an important step towards ensuring the safety and security of global trade, and its recommendations will be valuable to policymakers and industry stakeholders alike.

Dimension: 300 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9789251360637