The terms fumigant and fumigant residue are defined. Interrelationships between physically and chemically bound residues, storage environments, nature of the substrate and other influencing factors are outlined. Analytical methods include polarography by DME and RPE, titrimetry, spectrophotometry, and GC with microthermal conductivity, hydrogen flame ionization, electron capture, microcoulometric, thermionic, and flame photometric detector systems, with backup by enzymatic, radiometric, NAA and X-ray flourescence methods. Various aspects are illustrated with different fumigants used commercially. Supplementary methods to extend the power and usefulness of analytical methods in fumigant research are indicated.