Antwerp, 1 December 2025 – EWS Group is further expanding its activities in the Port of Antwerp with the acquisition of the activities and assets of the Belgian company Descroes. The pest control activities and related services are being integrated into EWS Group, while all container-related quarantine fumigations will be carried out by a newly established entity: PQF Group (Port Quarantine Fumigations).
Clear structure for pest control and quarantine fumigation
By integrating the pest control activities into the existing divisions of EWS Group and assigning all container fumigations to PQF Group, a clear and future-proof structure has been created. This structure distinguishes between regular pest control and the internationally regulated procedures for container fumigations, including BMSB treatments, phytosanitary export treatments and wood-log fumigations.
All ongoing assignments, quotations and contracts of Descroes will continue without interruption. The employees of Descroes will also continue their work fully within EWS Group and PQF Group, ensuring that existing expertise and customer relationships are preserved.
Strengthening a strategic logistics region
This expansion reinforces the growing presence of EWS Group in the Antwerp port area – an international logistics hub where strict safety and quarantine requirements apply. With the establishment of PQF Group, customers and inspection services gain a single, clearly defined point of contact for container-related fumigations.
“By integrating pest control activities within EWS and placing quarantine fumigations under PQF Group, we are creating a future-proof structure that ensures focus, specialisation and quality,” says Joren Nieuwenhuizen, CEO of EWS Group. “This step further strengthens our presence in one of Europe’s most important logistics regions.”
Continued service delivery with familiar faces
For customers of Descroes, nothing will change in their existing collaboration. All services will continue in the same way, carried out by the same trusted employees – now supported by the full European network of EWS Group.
“We are retaining the familiar team, strengthening our operational capabilities and offering a broader range of services,” says Thomas Vermeerbergen, Country Manager EWS Belgium and responsible for PQF Group. “Customers can rely on a stronger and future-oriented service platform.”
About PQF Group
PQF Group (Port Quarantine Fumigations) is the new specialised entity of EWS Group dedicated to quarantine fumigations and container treatments in the Port of Antwerp. PQF provides compliant BMSB treatments, wood-log fumigations and other phytosanitary export treatments for containerised goods, fully supported by the expertise and quality standards of EWS Group.
About EWS Group
EWS Group is an international organisation specialising in pest control, fumigation, gas measurement, bio treatment and maritime & logistics services. With locations across Europe, EWS supports companies in meeting the highest standards of hygiene, safety and sustainability.
