Ban on toxic gas containers

Dutch Trade Union (FNV Bondgenoten) is demanding a ban on the fumigation of import containers with immediate effect. Any containers that contain gas must be immediately returned or destroyed. Until the ban comes into force, every container must be checked as standard and fumigated containers must at least be degassed. The health risks for workers due to exposure to toxic gasses are unacceptable. The government is failing to take action however, and yet there are plenty of alternatives that make the use of these toxic pesticides unnecessary. Action taken by Dutch Trade Union
A campaign in the final week of September 2008, during which FNV Bondgenoten made both employers and employees face the facts of the unacceptable risks of fumigated containers, temporarily put this item back on the political agenda. The stickers with skulls that were attached to containers attracted the attention of the media. Even more important was the information provided to drivers and to workers in storage units, distribution centres and warehouses in the form of flyers.
This has resulted in the following directive from the Dutch Ministry of Housing, Spatial Planning and the Environment. 'As from 01-05-2009 all containers arriving in the Port of Rotterdam with a too high concentration of gas, will be taken out from the logistic transport chain (Methyl bromide is mostly used toxic gas)'. According to the Ministry one may expect delays running up to several months before a fumigated container finally will be released to the consignee. Obviously high costs will be involved if a container has a too high concentration of gas.

We strongly suggest that you reduce or preferably stop fumigating containers. Do consider the massive impact and consequences this will have on your/our customers!