If a container is properly packed with defect-free goods, damage caused by animal pests or microorganisms is unlikely. Such damage can virtually only occur to a cargo located in a closed, intact container if an infestation was already present on packing. This gives rise to the following requirements:
- Particular attention must be paid to quarantine pests or quarantine diseases, i.e. organisms which are harmful to plant life, which, through the importation of seed, live plants or plant parts, may be transferred from their native countries into countries and continents where they did not previously occur. The occurrence of all quarantine pests and quarantine diseases is notifiable.
- Only clean containers suitable for the cargo should be packed, with particular attention being paid to the container floor. In the case of maritime transport to, among other places, Australia and New Zealand, quarantine regulations also apply to wooden components. The lumber used for crates and cases must have been treated against pests, especially the sirex wasp, and certified. New Zealand, for example, requires the lumber used for crates and cases to be free of insect infestation, fungal attack and bark residue.
- Order and cleanliness in warehouses. Do not leave partially packed containers open for extended periods.
- Use only healthy or impregnated lumber for packaging, segregation and securing purposes. This also applies to paperboard, paper, chipboard and similar material.
- Comply with the measures for avoiding high relative humidity in the container. Temperature conditions may favor the habits of many pests or the growth and multiplication of microorganisms.
- Use refrigerated containers for highly perishable products.
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