The 2nd IPPC Standards Committee in 2015: work to set international standards progresses

The 2nd IPPC Standards Committee (SC) convened 16-20 November 2015 at FAO headquarters in Rome. The meeting was chaired by Mr Bart Rossel (Australia), with presence of 22 out of 25 members and 4 observers. Following the introductions from the IPPC Secretary and Secretariat briefings, key discussions included: the review and approval of ISPMs, proposed revisions of the standard setting procedure and the discussion on the concept of commodity standards.

Three draft ISPMs were moved forward: (1) The draft ISPM on Determination of host status of fruit to fruit fly (Tephritidae) was recommended to CPM for adoption in 2016; (2) The amendments to ISPM 5 Glossary of phytosanitary terms were also recommended to CPM for adoption in 2016; and (3) The draft ISPM on International movement of growing media in association with plants for planting was approved to go for the 2016 Substantial concerns commenting period. Three ISPMs were sent back to the stewards or drafting working groups for further revision, namely International movement of cut flowers and foliage, International movement of wood, and International movement of wood products and handicrafts made from wood. The specification on Guidance on pest risk management was also approved.

The SC made further steps towards increased transparency, inclusiveness and clarity of the standard setting procedure by proposing to CPM its third revision. The group also discussed the concept of a commodity standard and provided recommendations for CPM-11 (2016).

The SC report will soon be available at the following link: https://www.ippc.int/en/core-activities/standards-setting/standards-committee/