The first IPPC webinar: Enhancing the understanding of the concept on authorization of entities to perform phytosanitary actions

Rome, 20 October 2020. The first webinar, organized by IPPC Secretariat to discuss the concept of authorization of entities to perform phytosanitary actions was opened by Mr Avetik Nersisyan, Lead of the Standard Setting Unit at the IPPC Secretariat who welcomed all participants and panelists. The concept of this webinar came as the draft standard on the “Requirements for NPPOs if authorizing entities to perform phytosanitary actions (2014-002)” is at the final stages of development and some contracting parties raised concerns that this proposed ISPM will have undesired effects on their internal operations. The standard (or ISPM) is being developed under the oversight of the Standards Committee (SC). Once adopted, it will provide harmonized requirements for the development of an authorization programme and the eligibility criteria for entities to become authorized.

The IPPC webinar provided a forum to present the concept of authorization, case studies and discuss challenges identified by countries while authorizing entities. The webinar was attended by more than 150 participants from 88 National Plant Protection Organizations (NPPOs) as well as participants from several RPPOs, international organizations and FAO decentralized offices.

Mr Stephen Butcher, Principal Adviser, Plant Imports Biosecurity New Zealand and Ms Sophie Peterson, Assistant Director at Australian Government Department of Agriculture and Water Resources began with presentations outlining the development and concept of the standard. Mr Brent Larson, Lead of the Implementation Facilitation Unit at the IPPC Secretariat presented a desk study providing an overview of the current use of authorization by NPPOs. Mr Nico Horn, Director-General at European and Mediterranean Plant Protection Organization (EPPO) presented on the different positions of various member states within the EPPO region and Mr Chelombitko Andrii, Chief State Phytosanitary Inspector of Ukraine highlighted the risks to phytosanitary control due to the authorization of entities.

Members from IPPC Contracting Parties; Brazil, Australia, Nigeria and New Zealand presented case studies on the use of authorization. Mr André Felipe C. P. da Silva, Federal Inspector (Brazil), Ms Robyn Cleland, Chief Scientist & Chief Plant Protection Officer (Australia), Mr Moses Adegboyega Adewumi, Head of Inspection Southwest Zone (Nigeria) and Mr Peter Thomson, Director for Animal & Plant Health (New Zealand) each presented their country experience. All of who noted the importance of training and robust auditing practices to ensure compliance and confidence when authorizing third party entities.

The webinar finished with an interactive Q&A session, all questions and answers will be made available on the IPP.

The IPPC Secretariat would like to express a special thanks to all panelists and participants. All webinar information (including the in-session questions and answers) will be made available on the IPP: https://www.ippc.int/en/work-area-pages/workshops-and-experts-meeting/ippc-webinar-enhancing-the-understanding-of-the-concept-on-authorization-of-entities-to-perform-phytosanitary-actions/