Table of Contents
- What is a fumigation certificate?
- Why a fumigation certificate is needed
- Which goods must have a fumigation certificate
- What is the fumigation fee?
- The fumigation stamp and its meaning
- Contents of a fumigation certificate
- Conclusion
- Related articles
- Frequently asked questions about fumigation certificates
- Contact and fumigated pallet quote from ICD
Reviewed and updated by ICD - Week 30/2026
A fumigation certificate is the document issued after goods have been treated with chemicals to kill insects and pests before export. It is mandatory for many goods shipped by sea to markets with strict biosecurity rules such as the EU, the United States and Australia. This guide explains what the certificate is, which goods require it, the typical fumigation fee, what the fumigation stamp means, and the nine fields a valid certificate must list so you can prepare the paperwork correctly.
What is a fumigation certificate?
A fumigation certificate, also called a fumigation document or Fumigation Certificate, is issued by an authorised body after goods have been treated with chemicals to kill insects. Fumigation protects goods from termites, borers, worms and other insects, particularly when the goods use wooden packaging or come from organic material.
The process does more than clean the goods. It prevents the spread of living micro-organisms that nest inside the packing material, so the goods pose no risk to the ecosystem of the importing country. Common chemicals are Methyl Bromide and Phosphine.
Why a fumigation certificate is needed
The certificate is mandatory for certain goods on export, especially when shipped by sea or sent to countries with strict biosecurity requirements such as Europe, the United States and Australia. The main reasons are below.
| Reason | What it covers |
|---|---|
| Biosecurity | Wooden packaging and organic materials are easily attacked by insects during long transit, which can spread disease or harm the importing country’s environment. |
| International compliance | Most countries require imported goods to carry a fumigation document. Without it, goods can be held at port or fined. For export wooden pallets, the fumigation stamp must also be printed on the pallet. |
Which goods must have a fumigation certificate
Not all goods require a fumigation certificate, but for certain categories it is mandatory.
| Goods category | Why fumigation is required |
|---|---|
| Agricultural products | Rice, coffee, pepper, tea and cashews are easily damaged by borers and insects. |
| Handicrafts and wood products | Furniture and decor made of rattan, bamboo, or untreated wood need fumigation to eliminate insects. |
| Wooden packaging | Wooden pallets, crates and wooden packing materials need a fumigation stamp for safe transit. |
What is the fumigation fee?
The fumigation fee is the cost a business pays to fumigate goods before export. It depends on the quantity and size of the goods to be treated. In Vietnam, the fee usually ranges from about 300,000 to Liên hệ báo giá per pallet.
In English the fee is called the fumigation fee. It is often included in the shipping cost or listed separately on the invoice from logistics providers.
The fumigation stamp and its meaning
The fumigation stamp is a mark printed on a wooden pallet or packing material once fumigation is complete. The stamp carries information on the service provider, the country code, and the treatment method used, such as Methyl Bromide (MB) or heat treatment (HT). It is proof that the goods have been treated safely and meet international biosecurity requirements.
Contents of a fumigation certificate
A valid certificate must list the following nine fields, which should match the invoice and bill of lading.
| Field | Detail |
|---|---|
| Description of goods | Matches the invoice and bill of lading. |
| Bill of Lading No. | The shipment’s B/L number. |
| Weight and quantity | Total weight and number of units. |
| Means of transport | For example, vessel, truck. |
| Fumigant used | For example, Methyl Bromide. |
| Dosage | Expressed in grams per cubic metre. |
| Exposure time | For example, 48 hours at a specified temperature. |
| Place and date of fumigation | Where and when the treatment took place. |
| Responsible party | Name and address of the certifying unit. |
Conclusion
A fumigation certificate is not only a legal requirement but also an important measure to protect public health and the ecosystem. Before exporting goods, especially items prone to insect and mould attack, businesses should check carefully and ensure they have prepared the fumigation certificate and any required fumigation stamps. This avoids unnecessary risk and keeps the export process running smoothly.
Related articles
| Wooden pallets for export | What is Methyl Bromide? | Fumigation stamp on a pallet |
Frequently asked questions about fumigation certificates
1. What is a fumigation certificate?
It is the document issued by an authorised body confirming that goods have been treated with chemicals such as Methyl Bromide or Phosphine to kill insects before export, so they meet the importing country’s biosecurity rules.
2. Which goods need a fumigation certificate?
Mainly agricultural products (rice, coffee, pepper, tea, cashews), handicrafts and untreated wood products, and wooden packaging such as pallets and crates. Goods shipped by sea to the EU, the United States or Australia commonly require it.
3. How much does fumigation cost?
In Vietnam the fumigation fee usually ranges from about 300,000 to Liên hệ báo giá per pallet, depending on the quantity and size of goods. It is often bundled into the shipping cost or listed separately on the logistics invoice.
4. What does a fumigation stamp mean?
The stamp on a wooden pallet shows the service provider, the country code, and the treatment method used (Methyl Bromide or heat treatment). It proves the wood has been treated safely and meets international standards.
5. What information must the certificate contain?
Nine fields: description of goods, bill of lading number, weight and quantity, means of transport, fumigant used, dosage in grams per cubic metre, exposure time, place and date of fumigation, and the responsible party.
6. What is the difference between Methyl Bromide and heat treatment?
Methyl Bromide (MB) is a chemical fumigant, while heat treatment (HT) raises the wood core temperature to kill pests without chemicals. Both satisfy ISPM 15 for wooden packaging, but some markets restrict Methyl Bromide for environmental reasons.
Contact and fumigated pallet quote from ICD
ICD Viet Nam Industrial Production Company Limited
North: Floor 3, Thang Long A1 Building, Bau Hamlet, Thien Loc Commune, Hanoi - 0983 797 186 / 090 345 9186 / 090 5859 186
South: 551/212 Le Van Khuong, Tan Thoi Hiep, District 12, Ho Chi Minh City - 098 6784 186
Email: sales@icdvietnam.com.vn · Zalo: Chat on Zalo now
ICD supplies ISPM 15 compliant export wooden pallets with fumigation stamps and a 2 year warranty. Send your requirements and we will quote right away.
