Technical panels (TPs)
In an effort to improve the quality and efficiency in the development of ISPMs, the ICPM-6 (2004) approved the establishment of technical panels (TPs) under the supervision of the Standards Committee (SC).
The TPs, established for specific phytosanitary technical areas, develop ISPMs and provide guidance to the SC regarding specific phytosanitary issues. A steward, who is usually a member of the SC, supports and guides members in the development of draft ISPMs. The SC then reviews, revises and recommends the draft ISPM for consultation.
The SC selects TP members after a call for experts and each TP member is selected for a five year term. The SC annually reviews the progress of the TP and considers issues regarding the panel’s work programme, its relationship to other panels and its organization.
Currently, there are four TPs for the development of ISPMs:
- Technical panel on Diagnostic Protocols (TPDP)
- Technical panel for the Glossary (TPG)
- Technical panel on Phytosanitary Treatments (TPPT)
- Technical Panel on Commodity Standards (TPCS)