Here is a detailed overview of the Methyl Bromide Fumigation Standard, based on national and international guidelines (such as the Plant Quarantine Order (India), ISPM-15, and FAO regulations):
Methyl Bromide Fumigation – Standards & Guidelines
Methyl Bromide (CH₃Br) is a colorless, odorless gas used widely for quarantine and pre-shipment (QPS) fumigation of commodities, containers, wooden packaging, and food processing machinery.
📋 Key Standards
1. Dosage & Exposure (Standard Reference)
| Temperature |
Dosage (g/m³) |
Exposure Time |
Minimum Concentration at
End (g/m³) |
| 21°C and above |
48 g/m³ |
24 hours |
24 g/m³ (50% of initial dose) |
| 16°C – 20°C |
56 g/m³ |
24 hours |
28 g/m³ |
| 10°C – 15°C |
64 g/m³ |
24 hours |
32 g/m³ |
These are per ISPM-15 (International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures) guidelines for
Wood Packaging and extended to cargo/machinery as applicable.
2. Enclosure Standards
- Fumigation should be conducted under gas-tight covers or in sealed chambers.
- Gas retention should maintain a half-life of minimum 3 hours.
- Fumigated area must be monitored using gas detection tubes (Dräger or equivalent).
3. Aeration & Safety Clearance
- After exposure, area/machinery must be aerated for a minimum of 6–12 hours.
- Gas levels must drop to less than 5 ppm before human re-entry (as per OSHA/WHO guidelines).
- No residue should remain on food-contact surfaces.
📄 Documentation Required
- Fumigation Certificate
- Gas Concentration Log (Start, Mid, End)
- Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
- Pest Control Log Sheet
- Treatment Sticker (for ISPM-15 compliant materials)
⚠️ Precautions
- Not allowed on live plants or food products for direct consumption.
- Use only by licensed operators under the Insecticide Act, 1968 (India).
- Operator must wear PPE and use gas masks during fumigant handling.
🛑 Methyl Bromide Usage Restrictions
- Restricted or bannedfor general use in many countries due to ozone depletion potential (ODP).
- Still permitted in Still permitted inunder controlled cond
- Alternatives:Phosphine, Sulfuryl Fluoride, CO₂ for general pest control.
✅ Common Uses
- Export packaging fumigation (wood pallets, crates)
- Cargo container fumigation
- Food processing machinery under QPS
- Agro commodities (with post-aeration protocol)
Post-Treatment Marking & Documentation
IPPC Mark (“Wheat Stamp”):
- PP: Country code (ISO 2-letter)
- Treatment type (MB or HT)
- Regional-Code of State (CHE)
- Unique treatment facility code (0000)
- Certificate of Treatment
Enclosure: Use gas-tight tarpaulins or chambers; seal edges with sand-snakes or tape.
Exposure Time: Minimum 24 hours.
Monitoring: Withdraw gas samples at 2, 4, and 24 hours to confirm concentrations.
Aeration: After 24 h, ventilate until CH₃Br levels fall below safety thresholds (typically < 5 ppm).
Stamping & Documentation
Upon successful treatment, each unit receives the standard “wheat‐stamp” IPPC mark, which includes:
IPPC logo
Country code (IN)
Unique facility code
Treatment code (“MB” or “HT”)
Digital and hard-copy certificates are issued via Acacio’s online platform within 24 hours of service completion
Project Management
Upon successful treatment, each unit receives the standard “wheat‐stamp” IPPC mark, which includes:
IPPC logo
Country code (IN)
Unique facility code
Treatment code (“MB” or “HT”)
Digital and hard-copy certificates are issued via Acacio’s online platform within 24 hours of service completion
