August 18, 2016

From a USDA meeting with Chinese officials, USDEC has obtained the latest disensection requirements for U.S. exporters to prevent the spread of the Zika Virus in China. The World Health Organization defines "disinsection" as the procedure whereby health measures are taken to control or kill the insect vectors of human diseases present in baggage, cargo, containers, conveyances, goods and postal parcels. The Chinese disensection requirements include:

• All shipments originating from the United States (air and sea vessels) are required to provide some proof of disinsection at the Chinese port. 
  Disinsection can be carried out by physical or chemical means. For physical, this could include trapping, air curtains, or other integrated pest management techniques. For chemical, this could include surface spraying, space spraying, or fumigation. The shipper shall select the method, applied taking into account human health and safety.
• Shipments chilled below 15 degrees Celsius (59 degrees Fahrenheit) will not require a disinsection certificate unless live mosquitoes, larva, or eggs are discovered during CIQ inspection. Detection will require disinsection.
• The disinsection requirement applies to containers and vessels, not the products being shipped. Vessels providing certification proof of being free of mosquitoes will not require additional inspection.
• Proof of disinsection does not need to be provided by a government body or a government approved body.

USDEC will continue to actively monitor and advise members through the "Hot Topics" section of usdec.org and through emailed member alerts, if warranted. For additional information contact USDEC's Matt McKnight or Jonathan Gardner at 703-528-3049.