Get $50,000 in potential benefits Register nowGet $50,000 in potential benefits Register nowGLOBAL SELLING BLOG
What is a fumigation certificate? Working, format, cost, and how to get one
A fumigation certificate validates that wooden boxes in a shipment are chemically disinfected. Learn more about its uses, example, cost and how to get it.
For many exporters, especially those shipping wooden packaging or agricultural goods, fumigation is a necessary step in the export process. Without a fumigation certificate, your shipment could be denied entry, quarantined, or even destroyed at the port of arrival.
This blog explores what a fumigation certificate means, when it’s required, how it works, and how Indian exporters can obtain one online. The blog also covers its costs, sample format, and how it differs from other export documents like the phytosanitary certificate.
This blog explores what a fumigation certificate means, when it’s required, how it works, and how Indian exporters can obtain one online. The blog also covers its costs, sample format, and how it differs from other export documents like the phytosanitary certificate.
What is a fumigation certificate?
A fumigation certificate is an official document that certifies export goods have undergone fumigation using approved chemicals to eliminate pests, insects, and pathogens. In India, this certificate is mostly needed when shipping goods in wooden packaging — such as pallets, boxes, or crates — or while shipping agricultural commodities.
International import regulations, especially in the US, Europe, Australia, and other countries with strict biosecurity measures, mandate this certificate to protect their ecosystems and agriculture from invasive pests. For Indian exporters, the fumigation certificate for export acts as legal evidence that their shipment is pest-free and meets global phytosanitary standards.1
International import regulations, especially in the US, Europe, Australia, and other countries with strict biosecurity measures, mandate this certificate to protect their ecosystems and agriculture from invasive pests. For Indian exporters, the fumigation certificate for export acts as legal evidence that their shipment is pest-free and meets global phytosanitary standards.1
When is a fumigation certificate required?
Whether a fumigation certificate is required depends on the nature of goods and the destination country’s import regulations. Generally, it is mandatory when:
● Shipping goods packed in wooden materials (pallets, crates, dunnage).
● Exporting agricultural commodities, grains, or food products.
● Sending consignments to countries with strict biosecurity laws (USA, Australia, New Zealand, UK, etc.).
● Dealing with products at high risk of pest infestation.2
● Exporting agricultural commodities, grains, or food products.
● Sending consignments to countries with strict biosecurity laws (USA, Australia, New Zealand, UK, etc.).
● Dealing with products at high risk of pest infestation.2
How a fumigation certificate works
Here’s how the fumigation certificate plays a role in export:
● Confirms the consignment (or its wooden packaging) has been treated using chemicals like Methyl Bromide or Aluminum Phosphide.
● Certifies that the fumigation process must adhere to international standards such as ISPM-15.
● Contains all treatment and shipment details.
● Accompanies export documentation and is scrutinized during customs clearance at both Indian and foreign ports.
● Remains valid for 21-30 days from the date of treatment, after which goods must be re-fumigated, if not shipped.3
How to get a fumigation certificate
Getting a fumigation certificate in India involves working with government-authorized fumigation service providers. Here’s how exporters can apply:
Step 1: Find an accredited fumigation agency
Visit the Plant Quarantine India portal and search for a DPPQS-licensed fumigation service provider near your location.
Step 2: Book an inspection
Contact the agency to schedule a visit to your warehouse, container yard, or port terminal where the cargo will be treated.
Step 3: Prepare your cargo
Ensure goods are packed properly in wooden crates or pallets and make them accessible for fumigation.
Step 4: Fumigation treatment
The fumigation expert applies the approved chemical (like Methyl Bromide or Phosphine) and seals the cargo for the exposure period (typically 24 hours).
Step 5: Aeration and final inspection
After treatment, the cargo is aerated to remove residual gases. A post-fumigation inspection is conducted to ensure safety standards are met.
Step 6: Receive your fumigation certificate
Once complete, the agency issues the fumigation certificate either in hard copy or via email.4
Cost of a fumigation certificate
The cost of obtaining a fumigation certificate varies depending on multiple factors:
● Volume and type of cargo
● Type of fumigant used (Methyl Bromide is usually more expensive)
● Treatment location (on-site or at port)
● Urgency and logistics involved.5
● Type of fumigant used (Methyl Bromide is usually more expensive)
● Treatment location (on-site or at port)
● Urgency and logistics involved.5
Sample format of fumigation certificate
Contents of a fumigation certificate
The fumigation certificate for export must contain specific details to comply with customs regulations internationally. Some important details in a fumigation certificate include:
● Exporter name and address
● Importer name and destination country
● Container number and shipment reference
● Fumigation method used
● Chemical name and dosage
● Date of issue
● Authorized signature and license number.
● Importer name and destination country
● Container number and shipment reference
● Fumigation method used
● Chemical name and dosage
● Date of issue
● Authorized signature and license number.
Difference between fumigation certificate and phytosanitary certificate
While both fumigation and phytosanitary certificates are essential, their scope and authority differ. Here’s a clear comparison for Indian exporters:
Feature
Fumigation certificate
Phytosanitary certificate
Issued by
Authorized fumigation provider
National Plant Protection Org. (NPPO) of the government
Purpose
Certifies pest removal by chemicals
Certifies complete plant health compliance
Applicability
Primarily on wood or packaging
Entire consignment — plants, soil, etc.
Mandatory for
Wood packaging materials, select goods
Plants, animals, regulated commodities
Requirement for phytosanitary
Sometimes needed for application
Must reference fumigation if performed8
Conclusion
AD code is vital for exports from India. It ensures regulatory compliance, simplifies customs clearance, and facilitates faster payment processing. For exporters, understanding and obtaining an AD Code is not just a regulatory requirement but a strategic advantage. If you are a seller looking to expand your export business, e-commerce export programs like Amazon Global Selling can empower you to reach global customers and take your products to the world.
Amazon Global Selling: Easy e-commerce exports and hassle-free shipping
If you are a business owner and you want to sell your products to the world, Amazon Global Selling enables you to list and sell ‘Made in India’ products on 18 Amazon global marketplaces. As an e-commerce export program, Amazon Global Selling provides support and guidance at every step of your export journey, connecting you to Amazon’s Service Provider Network for tailored compliance, payments, and logistics support.
Registered sellers can choose to ship their products by themselves through Merchant Fulfilled Network (MFN) or they can opt for Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) and outsource order fulfillment to Amazon including packing, storage, delivery, and returns. Amazon Global Selling simplifies the process of international shipping to the world, helping businesses navigate customs and reach a vast audience.
Registered sellers can choose to ship their products by themselves through Merchant Fulfilled Network (MFN) or they can opt for Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) and outsource order fulfillment to Amazon including packing, storage, delivery, and returns. Amazon Global Selling simplifies the process of international shipping to the world, helping businesses navigate customs and reach a vast audience.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is a fumigation certificate required for wood packaging material?
Yes, fumigation needs to be carried out on all wooden packaging materials to be exported.
2. What should be kept in mind before the fumigation process?
● Keep a note of the export products that cannot be exposed to the fumigant.
● Wooden containers must be placed at an adequate distance from each other.
● Fumigation must be performed by an experienced person, keeping in mind all the guidelines.
● Wooden containers must be placed at an adequate distance from each other.
● Fumigation must be performed by an experienced person, keeping in mind all the guidelines.
3. Why is a fumigation certificate required?
A fumigation certificate is required to prove that cargo, especially with wood packaging or agricultural goods, is free from pests and meets the destination country’s import regulations.
4. What details are required for a fumigation certificate?
Details such as exporter and importer information, fumigant type, dosage, treatment time, and agency credentials are required for issuing a valid fumigation certificate.
Published on June 21, 2022.
Updated on October 13, 2025.
Sources:
1. https://afleo.com/fumigation-certificate-for-exports-what-it-is-why-its-needed-how-to-get-it-in-india/
2. https://www.icontainers.com/help/all-about-fumigation-certificate/
3. https://www.pestfree.co.in/how-to-get-fumigation-certificate-in-india-for-export-goods-to-other-countries/
4. https://www.bajajfinserv.in/fumigation-certificate
5. https://www.dripcapital.com/en-in/resources/blog/fumigation-certificate
https://www.bajajfinserv.in/fumigation-certificate
6. https://www.pestfree.co.in/how-to-get-fumigation-certificate-in-india-for-export-goods-to-other-countries/
7. https://www.shiprocket.in/blog/fumigation-certificate/
8. https://www.marineinsight.com/maritime-law/fumigation-certificate-in-shipping-what-is-it-and-how-to-get-one/
https://khatabook.com/blog/phytosanitary-certificate/
Updated on October 13, 2025.
Sources:
1. https://afleo.com/fumigation-certificate-for-exports-what-it-is-why-its-needed-how-to-get-it-in-india/
2. https://www.icontainers.com/help/all-about-fumigation-certificate/
3. https://www.pestfree.co.in/how-to-get-fumigation-certificate-in-india-for-export-goods-to-other-countries/
4. https://www.bajajfinserv.in/fumigation-certificate
5. https://www.dripcapital.com/en-in/resources/blog/fumigation-certificate
https://www.bajajfinserv.in/fumigation-certificate
6. https://www.pestfree.co.in/how-to-get-fumigation-certificate-in-india-for-export-goods-to-other-countries/
7. https://www.shiprocket.in/blog/fumigation-certificate/
8. https://www.marineinsight.com/maritime-law/fumigation-certificate-in-shipping-what-is-it-and-how-to-get-one/
https://khatabook.com/blog/phytosanitary-certificate/
Sell across the world through Amazon Global Selling
Ready to start exporting from India?
Want to learn about Amazon Global Selling?
Disclaimer: Whilst Amazon Seller Services Private Limited ("Amazon") has used reasonable endeavours in compiling the information provided, Amazon provides no assurance as to its accuracy, completeness or usefulness or that such information is error-free. In certain cases, the blog is provided by a third-party seller and is made available on an "as-is" basis. Amazon hereby disclaims any and all liability and assumes no responsibility whatsoever for consequences resulting from use of such information. Information provided may be changed or updated at any time, without any prior notice. You agree to use the information, at your own risk and expressly waive any and all claims, rights of action and/or remedies (under law or otherwise) that you may have against Amazon arising out of or in connection with the use of such information. Any copying, redistribution or republication of the information, or any portion thereof, without prior written consent of Amazon is strictly prohibited.
© 2024 Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. All rights reserved
© 2024 Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. All rights reserved
