The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has taken a step to enhance safety of crew in maritime cargo operations by issuing revised recommendations for the fumigation of solid bulk cargoes.
At the 110th session of the IMO’s Maritime Safety Committee (MSC), held from 18–27 June 2025, the Committee approved and subsequently issued the updated circular MSC.1/Circ.1264/Rev.1 on 17 September 2025. This circular provides improved guidance on the safe use of pesticides in ships, specifically addressing the fumigation of cargo holds for solid bulk cargoes under the International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargoes (IMSBC) Code and the International Grain Code.
Key updates:
- The revised circular introduces two new sections: one highlighting the risk associated with handling phosphine residues, and another advising against the use of loose tablets for fumigation, recommending safer alternatives.
- Editorial updates have also been made to other IMO fumigation-related circulars to ensure all references align with the latest recommendations.
- Importantly, there are no substantive changes to the technical recommendations or procedures for the safe use of pesticides in ships, apart from the above mentioned.
For further details and practical guidance on fumigation of cargoes shipped under the IMSBC, the Grain, and International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Codes, visit our section on fumigation (member login required).
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