CPM-19 adopts key Phytosanitary Standards to strengthen global plant health and trade

Rome, 19 March 2025. As one of its core functions, the 19th session of the Commission on Phytosanitary Measures (CPM-19) adopted crucial International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures (ISPMs) to strengthen global plant health and safe trade. Held from 17-21 March 2025 in Rome, Italy, CPM-19 brought together hundreds of delegates from contracting parties of the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) to discuss pressing plant health issues, advance international phytosanitary standards, and promote safe trade practices. CPM-19 adopted two ISPM annexes recommended by the Standards Committee (SC).

Annex to ISPM 46: International Movement of Fresh Mangifera indica Fruit

In a groundbreaking, this annex establishes standardized phytosanitary measures to ensure the safe international trade of mangoes while preventing the introduction and spread of pests. Joanne Wilson, SC member and steward of the mango standard and the Technical Panel on Commodity Standards (TPCS), commended the decision, “The adoption of this annex represents a milestone for global mango trade. It enables harmonized, science-based measures that both protect plant health and facilitate smooth international trade” she stated. “The adoption of this first next generation of IPPC standards represents a true significant milestone for the IPPC community and will shape its future direction", said Adriana Moreira, IPPC Secretariat Deputy Lead to the standard setting unit.

Annex to ISPM 39: Use of Systems Approaches in Managing Pest Risks Associated with the Movement of Wood

This annex introduces a comprehensive approach to mitigating pest risks associated with the international movement of wood, promoting integrated measures as an alternative to single phytosanitary measures to facilitate safe trade. Steve Côté, SC member and steward of the annex, emphasized its impact: “This new annex strengthens the global approach to wood movement by integrating multiple measures, providing a more sustainable and effective strategy for pest risk management,” said Côté.

Diagnostic Protocol revisions and revocations of Phytosanitary Treatments

CPM-19 noted the adoption of one new and three revised Diagnostic Protocols (DPs) under ISPM 27 by the SC on its behalf. The DPs are for:

• DP 34: Heterobasidion annosum, considered to be the most economically important forest pathogen in the Northern Hemisphere;
• Xylella fastidiosa, which impacts a wide range of crops including grapevines and olive trees;
• Ips bark beetles, which target conifer trees; and
• Anastrepha fruit flies, which affect economically valuable cultivated fruits like mangoes and citrus.

In addition, CPM-19 revoked three adopted phytosanitary treatments (PT 1, PT 2, and PT 3 as annexes to ISPM 28), which have been superseded by PT 39 (Irradiation treatment for the genus Anastrepha). These changes reflect the latest scientific advancements and improved phytosanitary measures.

Adjustments to consultation and notification periods dates for Diagnostic Protocols

CPM-19 also noted the modifications to the consultation and notification periods for diagnostic protocols, which will be open twice per year, on 30th January and 1st July and lasting for 90 days and 45 days respectively. These adjustments allow consultation and notification periods to start simultaneously, streamlining the standard-setting process to ensure faster implementation of new protocols in response to emerging plant health threats. More information on the consultation period, please visit the dedicated IPPC webpage here, while for the DP notification period please click here.