Topic outline
This e-learning course introduces sea container inspections and explains how to safely identify, assess, document and respond to phytosanitary contamination risks.
This course is part of the IPPC Plant Health Campus. The Campus offers a variety of e-learning courses, guides and technical resources on key phytosanitary systems, with the overall goal of strengthening national phytosanitary capacity.









This course is designed for anyone with an interest in the subject, and is particularly relevant for:
- NPPO inspectors responsible for conducting sea container inspections;
- third-party entities authorized by NPPOs to conduct inspections on their behalf;
- customs and border agency officials supporting NPPOs in sea container inspections; and
- other professionals involved in the sea container supply chain, including container operators responsible for handling or checking sea containers under their custodial responsibilities.
- The role of sea container inspections in preventing the spread of pests through international trade pathways.
- Phytosanitary contamination risks associated with sea containers and their cargoes.
- Safe and systematic inspection procedures for external, internal and cargo inspection areas, where accessible and safe.
- Appropriate actions, reporting requirements and follow-up procedures when contamination is detected.
The course consists of three lessons of approximately 15-25 minutes each:
- Lesson 1 – Foundation and safety
- Lesson 2 – Inspection process
- Lesson 3 – Decision, reporting and follow-up
This course runs on the latest versions of the major browsers, such as Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Mozilla Firefox and Apple Safari.
The course opens in a separate popup window. If this does not happen, a popup blocker in the browser is probably preventing it from opening and you will need to disable popup blockers for this site. Please read the following instructions on how to do this.
Digital certification
This course offers certification. You will get your digital badge upon passing a final exam after completing the course and achieving a grade of at least 75%. Please click on the button below to complete the exam, or refer to our Certification section to learn more.
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