Breaking news – IPPC contracting parties agree on holding CPM-15 virtually on 16, 18 March and 1 April 2021

The CPM Bureau held deliberations in connection to the 15th Session of the Commission on Phytosanitary Measures (CPM-15) to occur virtually so as to facilitate participation of Contracting Parties and in respect of the current provisions to contain the COVID-19 pandemic.

On 11 December 2020, Ms Beth Bechdol, FAO Deputy Director-General, requested IPPC Contracting Parties to endorse the proposal by the CPM Bureau to hold the CPM by virtual means. The decision required a qualified majority of two thirds, equal to one hundred and twenty-three Contracting Parties. IPPC Contracting Parties could express their endorsement by participating to a poll on the IPPC website from 10 December 2020 to 15 January 2021.

The IPPC Secretariat is pleased to announce that the required two thirds majority of IPPC Contracting Parties endorsed the proposal as detailed by the FAO Deputy Director-General. Thus, CPM-15 will take place on 16 and 18 March and 1 April 2021 virtually, in accordance with the schedule posted on the IPPC website at https://www.ippc.int/.

The following rules are now in effect:

i. CPM-15 will be held virtually, noting that meeting documents are being made available on the IPPC website (www.ippc.int); ii. exceptionally suspend any rules of the CPM Rules of Procedure that presuppose/imply in-person sessions of the Commission; and iii. the CPM Bureau is authorized to assess whether credentials of Contracting Parties are in conformity with the requirements of the Organization and report to the CPM accordingly.

Invitation letters will be dispatched accordingly.