D-DNS 14: 202x  
  
 
 
DOMINICA NATIONAL STANDARD  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
INTEGRATED MEASURES FOR PLANTS FOR PLANTING  
 
D-DNS 1 4: 20xx  
 
 
 
 
©DBOS 202x  
Dominica Bureau of Standards  
National Centre of Testing Excellence  
P.O. Box 1015, Stockfarm, Roseau  
Commonwealth of Dominica, W.I.  
Tel.: 767 -275-5921/3017  
Email: info@dominicastandards.org  
 
 
 
 
 
___________ 202x       Price Group  ______  
D-DNS 14: 202x  
   
COPYRIGHT © 20 2x 
 
This document contains proprietary information, and should not be published, reproduced, copied, 
disclosed or used for any purpose without the prior written approval of the Dominica Bureau of 
Standards (DBOS).  This does not preclude quotation for the purp oses of review or comments. 
Enquiries relating to copyright may be addressed to the Director, Dominica Bureau of Standards  
  
i 
 Draft No.  1 
ISSUED FOR COMMENT ONLY  
DRAFT  
DOMINICA NATIONAL STANDARD  
INTEGRATED MEASURES FOR PLANTS FOR PLANTING  
D-DNS 1 4: 202x  
 
 
 
 
 
Last date for comments …………………………..  
 
 
 
DOMINICA BUREAU OF STANDARDS  
National Centre of Testing Excellence  
Stockfarm  
P.O. Box 1015  
Roseau  
COMMONWEALTH OF DOMINICA  
Email: info@dominicastandards.org   
  This is a draft and should not be regarded or used as a 
Dominica National Standard   
ii 
 GENERAL STATEMENT  
 
The Dominica Bureau of Standards was established under the Standards Act (#4) of 1999 and 
started operations in April 2000. A broad -based 15 -member Standards Council governs the affairs 
of the Bureau.  
 
The Standards Act gives the Bureau the responsibility  to facilitate the development and promotion 
of Standards and Codes of Practice for products and services for the protection of the health and 
safety of consumers and the environment as well as for industrial development in order to promote 
the enhancement  of the economy of Dominica.  
 
The Bureau develops Standards through consultations with relevant interest groups. In accordance 
with the provisions of the Standards Act, public comment is invited on all draft Standards before 
they are declared as Dominica National Standards (DNS).  
 
The Bureau is a correspondent member body of the International Organization for Standardization 
(ISO), an affiliate member of the International Electro -technical Commission (IEC), and a member 
of the Caribbean Regional Organizat ion for Standards and Quality (CROSQ) and the Pan 
American Standards Commission (COPANT). The Bureau is the local agent for foreign Standard 
Body, the American Standards for Testing and Measurement (ASTM). The Bureau also serves as 
the enquiry point for th e World Trade Organization (WTO) on matters pertaining to the Technical 
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Agreement and is the Contact Point for Codex Alimentarius.  
 
In accordance with good practice for the adoption and application of Standards, Dominica National 
Standards are subject to periodic review every five years.  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
iii 
  
 
 
 
Amendments  
 
 
 
Amendment No.   
Date of Issue   
Text (s) Affected  
   
 
   
iv 
 DOMINICA NATIONAL STANDARD  
INTERNATIONAL MOVEMENT OF USED VEHICLES, MACHINERY AND 
EQUIPMENT  
 
TECHNICAL COMMITTEE – Food Products, Processes and Services (FPPS)  
 
 
ORGANIZATION  REPRESENTIVE (S)  
(Alternate)  
Dominica Association of Industry and Commerce  Alleyna Robin  
Dominica Export Import Agency  Lloyd Pascal  
Sharon Rolle  
Dominica Manufacturers Association  Linvor Ambo  
Dominica State College  Sharon Allicock Joseph  
Valda Joseph  
IICA  Kent Coipel  
Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Fisheries  Anna Mary Seraphine  
Ministry of Trade, Energy, and Employment  Margaret Roudette  
Jackie Xavier  
TECHNICAL SECRETARY  
Mr. Kyle James  
Technical Officer, DBOS  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
1 
  
TABLE OF CONTENTS  
  
 
0.0 FOREWORD  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................  2 
INTRODUCTION  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ........  3 
Scope  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ............................  3 
References  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ....................  3 
Definitions  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ....................  3 
Outline of Requirement s ................................ ................................ ................................ ...............................  3 
BACKGROUND  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ..........  3 
REQUIREMENTS  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ....... 4 
1.0 Basis for Regulation  ................................ ................................ ................................ ......................  4 
2.0 Integrated Measures  ................................ ................................ ................................ ......................  5 
2.1 Genera l integrated measures  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..... 5 
2.1.1  Approval of places of production  ................................ ................................ ..........................  5 
2.1.2  Requirements for the place of production  ................................ ................................ .............  5 
2.2 Additional integrated measures in higher pest risk situations  ................................ ...................  6 
2.2.1  Requirements for the place of production in higher pest risk situations  ...............................  6 
2.3 Non-conformity with requirements for the place of production  ................................ .............  10 
3.0 Responsibilities of the NPPO of the Exporting Country  ................................ ............................  11 
3.1 Setting up integrated measures  ................................ ................................ ...............................  11 
3.2 Approval of places of production  ................................ ................................ ............................  11 
3.3 Oversight of approved places of production  ................................ ................................ ...........  12 
3.4 Export inspections and issuance of phytosanitary certificates  ................................ ................  12 
3.5 Providing information  ................................ ................................ ................................ .............  12 
4.0 Responsibilities of the NPPO of the Importing Country  ................................ ............................  13 
4.1 Auditing  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ .. 13 
ANNEX 1: Factors that affect the pest risk of plants for planting ................................ ..............................  14 
APPENDIX 1: Examples of pest management measures to reduce the pest risk of plants  ........................  16 
for planting at a place of production  ................................ ................................ ................................ ... 16 
APPENDIX 2: Examples of non -conformity  ................................ ................................ .............................  20 
 
  
2 
 0.0 FOREWORD  
 
0.1. This Dominica National Standard was adopted by the Bureau of Standards (the 
Bureau) of the Commonwealth of Dominica on  _____________  after the draft was 
finalized by Technical Committee for Food Products, Processes and Services (FPPS) 
and has been approved by the  Minister responsible for the Bureau.  
 
0.2. This Standard became effective as a Compulsory Standard on the date notif ied by the 
Minister with responsibility for the Bureau of Standards in a Notice published in the 
Commonwealth of Dominica Official Gazette on ________________.  
 
0.3. This standard is an identical adoption of International Standards for Phytosanitary 
Measures (I SPM) 36: 201 5 - Integrated measures for plants for planting . 
 
0.4. Acknowledgement is given to International Plant Protection Convention  (IPPC ) for 
providing permission to adopt ISPM 36: 201 5.  
 
0.5. Although the editorial style and layout of the ISPM 36: 201 5 are not in conformity 
with that of Dominica's Standards, the identical adoption has been approved as 
suitable for publication as a Dominica National Standard.  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
3 
 INTRODUCTION  
Scope  
This standard outlines the main criteria for the identification and application of integrated measures 
at the place of production for the production of plants for planting (excluding seeds) for 
international trade. It provides guidance to help identify and  manage pest risks associated with 
plants for planting as a pathway.  
References  
The present standard refers to International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures (ISPMs). ISPMs 
are available on the International Phytosanitary Portal (IPP) at 
https://www.ippc.int/core activities/standards -setting/ispms .  
Definitions  
Definitions of phytosanitary terms used in the present standard can be found in ISPM 5 ( Glossary 
of phytosanitary terms ).  
Outline of Requirements  
Plants for planting are generally considered to pose a higher  pest risk than other regulated articles. 
Integrated measures may be used to manage the pest risks that plants for planting pose as a pathway 
for regulated pests and to ensure they meet phytosanitary import requirements. The use of 
integrated measures invo lves national plant protection organizations (NPPOs) as well as 
producers1, and relies on pest risk management measures applied throughout the production and 
distribution processes.  
Integrated measures may be developed and implemented by the NPPO of the exporting country. 
General integrated measures may include requirements such as keeping a plan of the place of 
production, examination of plants, keeping records, treating pests and sanitation. Where justified, 
additional elements such as a place of produc tion manual including a pest management programme, 
appropriate training for personnel, specific packing and transportation requirements, and internal 
and external audits may be required.  
The NPPO of the exporting country should approve and oversee places of production using 
integrated measures, as well as issue phytosanitary certificates that attest to the consignment as 
meeting the phytosanitary requirements of the importing country.   
BACKGROUND  
Several ISPMs provide general guidance on pest risk manage ment (e.g. ISPM 2 ( Framework for 
pest risk analysis ), ISPM 11 ( Pest risk analysis for quarantine pests ), ISPM 21 ( Pest risk analysis 
for regulated non -quarantine pests ), ISPM 32 ( Categorization of commodities according to their 
 
1 Producer hereinafter refers to a producer of plants for planting at the place of production.   
4 
 pest risk )). The conclusions  from pest risk analyses (PRAs) should be used to decide the 
phytosanitary measures to reduce the pest risk to an acceptable level for the importing country.  
Plants for planting are generally considered to pose a higher pest risk than other regulated arti cles 
and therefore additional specific guidance on pest risk management is needed to help address this 
higher pest risk.  
Integrated measures may be used at places of production to manage the risk of regulated pests, 
especially those that are difficult to detect during import or export inspections because: - some 
pests do not cause distinct visual symptoms, particularly at low pest incidence  
- symptoms of infestation may be latent or masked at the time of inspection (e.g. as a result of 
pesticid e use, nutrient imbalances, dormancy of plants at time of dispatch, presence of other 
non-regulated pests or by removal of symptomatic leaves)  
- small insects or eggs may be hidden under bark or scales of buds etc.  
- the type of packaging, size and physical state of the consignment can influence the 
effectiveness of inspection  
- detection methods for many pests, particularly pathogens, may not be ava ilable.  
The application of integrated measures for pest risk management requires not only the participation 
of the NPPO of the exporting country but also the participation of producers throughout all the 
stages of production of the plants for planting.  
Integrated measures are designed to manage the risks related to regulated pests, and also have the 
advantage of managing other pests at the place of production.  
It is expected that this standard will contribute to the protection of biodiversity and the env ironment 
by setting up guidelines for the use of integrated measures that will contribute to minimizing the 
international spread of pests.  
REQUIREMENTS  
1.0 Basis for Regulation  
The importing country may establish and shall communicate its technically justif ied phytosanitary 
import requirements for plants for planting (refer to ISPM 2, ISPM 11 and ISPM 21). Annex 1 
outlines factors to be taken into account when the NPPO of the importing country conducts a PRA 
for plants for planting.  
The NPPO of the exportin g country should develop and set up measures that meet the phytosanitary 
import requirements. Integrated measures may be developed and set up in two different cases as 
follows:  
- The importing country, in its phytosanitary import requirements, specifies int egrated 
measures to be used in the exporting country.  
- The importing country does not explicitly require integrated measures to be used, but the 
NPPO of the exporting country deems that using integrated measures would be a suitable and 
effective means of a chieving the importing country’s phytosanitary import requirements and,  
5 
 therefore, decides to specify integrated measures to be applied by producers wishing to export 
plants for planting to that particular importing country.  
If in the latter case the NPPO  of the exporting country deems that the “integrated measures” that it 
has put in place are equivalent to the phytosanitary import requirements of an importing country, 
the exporting country should seek formal approval of equivalence of these measures with  the 
importing country (ISPM 24 ( Guidelines for the determination and recognition of equivalence of 
phytosanitary measures )).  
A producer wishing to participate in using integrated measures, in order to qualify to export plants 
for planting to particular c ountries, should seek approval from its NPPO. Subsequently, the NPPO 
of the exporting country may approve producers conforming to requirements for integrated 
measures set up by that NPPO.  
2.0 Integrated Measures  
This standard describes two main levels of integrated measures. Section 2.1 (General integrated 
measures) describes a set of integrated measures that may be widely applicable to all plants for 
planting. Section 2.2 (Additional integrated measures in higher pest risk situations) describes 
additional  elements designed to manage pest risks in higher pest risk situations. It may not be 
necessary to require all these elements. Furthermore, for certain production systems not all 
elements may be applicable (e.g. physical barriers for field -grown plants). T herefore, only some of 
the elements described in section 2.2 may be appropriate. NPPOs may consider these options in 
addition to preexport or port of entry inspections in order to manage pest risks.  
2.1 General integrated measures  
The NPPO of the exporting c ountry may approve a place of production that complies with 
requirements on general integrated measures described hereafter.   
2.1.1 Approval of places of production  
The following conditions should be included in the approval process for producers seeking to us e 
the general integrated measures:  
- maintaining an updated plan of the place of production as well as keeping records of when, 
where and how plants for planting were produced, treated, stored or prepared for movement 
from the place of production (including  information on all plant species at the place of 
production and the type of plant material such as cuttings, in vitro  cultures, bare root plants)  
- keeping records for a period determined by the NPPO of the exporting country that verify 
where and how plant s for planting were purchased, stored, produced, distributed and any 
other relevant information on their plant health status  
- access to a plant protection specialist with a well -established working knowledge of pest 
identification and control  
- designating a contact person for communication with the NPPO of the exporting country.  
2.1.2 Requirements for the place of production  
The following requirements may be adequate for approval of places of production to use general 
integrated measures:   
6 
 - conducting examinatio ns of plants and places of production by designated personnel as 
necessary, at appropriate times and according to information and protocols provided by the 
NPPO of the exporting country  
- keeping records of all examinations, including a description of pests  found and corrective 
actions taken  
- taking specific measures where necessary (e.g. to keep the plants free from pests regulated in 
the country of import) and documenting these measures  
- notifying the NPPO of the exporting country if any pests regulated in  the country of import 
are observed  
- establishing and documenting a system of sanitation and hygiene.  
Table 1 in Appendix 1 provides specific examples of pest management measures related to pest 
group characteristics that are applicable for most types of plants for planting at places of production.  
Table 2 in Appendix 1 provides examples of possible pest management measures that NPPOs may 
require for different types of plants for planting and different types or groups of pests associated 
with them. The examples describe frequently used measures for i mportant pest types of the relevant 
type of plants for planting.  
2.2 Additional integrated measures in higher pest risk situations  
Where general integrated measures alone are not sufficient to manage the pest risk, the NPPO of 
the exporting country may appro ve a place of production that complies with the requirements for 
additional integrated measures in higher pest risk situations.  
2.2.1 Requirements for the place of production in higher pest risk situations  
The NPPO of the exporting country should require that producers applying for approval to use 
additional integrated measures for higher pest risk situations develop a place of production manual 
describing the pest management programme and including relevant information on production 
practices and operational s ystems. The NPPO of the exporting country may approve the place of 
production to export specific plants to a particular destination when it has determined the integrated 
measures used meet the phytosanitary import requirements of that country.  
The followi ng sections provide the elements to be documented and implemented by the producer 
and audited by the NPPO of the exporting country.  
2.2.1.1  Place of production manual  
The place of production manual should describe all of the requirements, elements, processes and 
operational systems that make up the integrated measures for pest risk management of the plants 
for planting. The manual should be developed, implemented and maintained by the producer and 
approved by the NPPO of the exporting country2. The manual or parts thereof should be specific 
to particular plant species or destinations. If the manual is amended, it should be resubmitted for 
approval by the NPPO of the exporting country.  
 
2 A documented quality management system, where available, may also be presented to the NPPO for consideration.   
7 
 The place of production manual may include the following elements :  
- a description of the organizational structure and of the responsibilities of the relevant 
personnel, including names of the person designated as responsible for the technical 
performance of the place of production and the plant protection specialist (se e section 2.2.1.3) 
(either of these personnel may serve as the contact point between the NPPO and the producer, 
and should notify the NPPO of the exporting country upon detection of pests regulated in the 
country of import)  
- a plan and description of the p lace of production, which is kept up to date and which records 
when, where and how the various species and types of plants for planting are produced, 
treated, stored or prepared for movement from the place of production (including information 
on plant spec ies, source of plant material and type of plant material such as cuttings, in vitro  
cultures, bare root plants)  
- a pest management programme (see section 2.2.1.2)   
- a description of dispatch and receiving locations within the place of production  
- handling procedures for incoming plant material, including procedures to ensure segregation 
of incoming plant material from material already on site  
- a description of subcontracted activities and the process for approval  
- a description of documentation procedures t o maintain evidence of the source and origin of 
propagation material  
- a description of how internal audits will be conducted, including the frequency and the 
responsible personnel  
- procedures to notify the NPPO of the exporting country if a pest regulated in the country of 
import is detected  
- procedures for recall of plants when non -conformity is detected, if appropriate - 
 procedures for visitors.  
2.2.1.2  Pest management programme  
The pest management programme, included in the place of production manual, should describe 
procedures or processes approved by the NPPO of the exporting country and designed to either 
prevent infestations or control pests. It should include a description o f the phytosanitary import 
requirements of the importing countries for each plant species and type of plant material. Table 2 
in Appendix 1 provides examples of possible measures that NPPOs may require for different types 
of plants for planting and differe nt types or groups of pests associated with them.  
The pest management programme should include the following elements:  
- sanitation and hygiene – contributing to preventing the introduction of pests to the place of 
production and minimizing spread within a  place of production, for example:  
 .  regular removal of infested plants and plant debris  
 .  disinfection of tools and equipment  
 .  removal of weeds and non -crop plant material  
 .  treatment of water   
8 
  .  management of surface water  
.  personal hygiene (e.g. hand washing, foot baths, coveralls or aprons) . 
 limited access  
 .  routines for use of packaging material and packaging facilities  
- pest control – products, procedures and measures (see Appendix 1) to prevent or treat pests 
such as:  
 .  physical barriers (e.g. screens, double doors)  
 .  disinfection of growing media and containers used to grow plants  
 .  crop protection product appl ications (e.g. chemical, biological)  
 .  disposal of infested plants  
 .  mass trapping of both pests of concern and possible vectors  
 .  climate control  
 .  hot water or heat treatment  
 .  any other treatment proven to control the pest of concern  
- handling of incoming plant material – methods and documentation for managing pest risks 
associated with incoming plant material, with descriptions of:  
. measures to ensure that all plants for plan ting entering the place of production are free of 
pests regulated by the importing countries, possible pest vectors and practically free of 
other pests  
 .  procedures to be followed if pests or possible vectors are detected  
. records to be kept, includin g the date, the name of the person carrying out the examination, 
any pests (including possible vectors), damage or symptoms found, and any corrective 
actions taken  
- examination of plant material (see section 2.2.1.5) and production sites – methods, frequency 
and intensity used to examine all plant material in the place of production (e.g. by visual 
examination, sampling, testing and trapping), including details of any laboratories used to 
identify pests found and methods used  
- examination of plants f or planting prior to export – methods, frequency and intensity used to 
examine plants when exports are being prepared  
- identification and management of infested plants, with descriptions of:  
 .  how an infested plant will be identified and treated  
. meas ures to ensure that plants that do not meet importing countries’ phytosanitary import 
requirements are not exported  
 . disposal of removed plant material in a manner that prevents buildup and spread of pests  
- keeping records of the application of crop protection products and other pest management 
measures.  
2.2.1.3  Plant protection specialist  
The NPPO of the exporting country should require producers, implementing additional integrated 
measures in higher pest risk sit uations, to use a specialist with a well -established working  
9 
 knowledge of pest identification and control in order to ensure that sanitation, pest monitoring and 
pest control measures are implemented as described in the place of production manual. The plan t 
protection specialist may serve as the contact person with diagnosticians who may be needed for 
pest identification.  
2.2.1.4  Training of personnel  
Personnel should be trained to detect pests, especially those regulated by the importing country, 
and to follow a  formal reporting system to communicate information on pest findings. Training 
should also include methods to handle material to reduce pest risk.  
2.2.1.5  Examination of plant material  
All plant material produced in a place of production (including plants destin ed for domestic markets 
and other production sites) should be examined for the presence of pests on a regular schedule by 
designated personnel according to established methods and corrective action applied as necessary.  
2.2.1.6  Packaging and transportation  
The f ollowing considerations apply to packaging and transport operations:  
- Plant material should be packed in a manner to prevent infestation by regulated pests.  
- Packaging material should be clean, free of pests and meet the phytosanitary import 
requirements.  
- Conveyances used to move plant material from the place of production should be examined 
and cleaned as necessary prior to loading.  
- Each lot in a consignment should be identified in a way that can be traced back to the place 
of production.  
2.2.1.7  Internal audit s  
Internal audits should be conducted to ensure that the producer is in compliance with its manual. 
Internal audits should focus on whether the manual and its implementation meet the requirements 
of the NPPOs of the exporting and importing countries. For example, the internal audit may 
evaluate the competency of personnel in identifying and controlling pests, carrying out duties and 
responsibilities, and whether the record -keeping is adequate to keep track of the origin of plant 
material, labels etc.  
Internal audits should be carried out by personnel who are independent of the people directly 
responsible for the audited activity. The results of the audits and any non -conformities (see section 
2.3 and Appendix 2) should be recorded and presented to the prod ucer for review. Corrective action 
regarding any non -conformities discovered should be implemented promptly and effectively, and 
documented.  
If the audit identifies any critical non -conformities (see section 2.3), the producer or auditor should 
immediatel y notify the NPPO of the exporting country in writing and ensure that affected plants 
for planting are not exported from that place of production until all critical non -conformities are 
rectified. Immediate corrective actions should be taken under the supe rvision of the NPPO of the 
exporting country.   
10 
 2.2.1.8  Records  
Up-to-date records should be maintained and made available to the NPPO of the exporting country 
and, where justified, also to the NPPO of the importing country. The place of production manual 
should c learly identify individuals responsible for maintaining various records, and the location 
and manner in which such records are maintained. Records should be maintained as determined by 
the NPPO of the exporting country. Records should include date, name an d signature of the person 
who carried out the task or prepared the document. Examples of records that may be required 
include:  
- phytosanitary certificates and other information (e.g.  invoices) that substantiate the origin 
and the phytosanitary status of incoming plant material  
- results of the inspection of incoming plant material  
- results of audits  
- records of examination during production including any pests, damage or symptoms detec ted 
and corrective actions taken  
- records of pest management measures taken to prevent or control pests (including method of 
application, product applied, dosage, date of application and, where applicable, duration)  
- records of examination of outgoing plan t material, including type, quantity of material 
exported and the name of country of import  
- copies of phytosanitary certificates for plant material exported by the producer  
- records of non -conformities identified and the corrective or preventive actions taken  
- records of personnel responsible for applying pest management measures  
- records of personnel training and their qualifications  
- copies of the forms used for internal aud it reports and checklists  
- records necessary to maintain forward and backward traceability of plants for planting from 
the place of production.  
2.3 Non-conformity with requirements for the place of production  
A non -conformity is any failure of products or pr ocedures to adhere to the integrated measures set 
up by the NPPO of the exporting country.  
The NPPO of the exporting country should distinguish between two types of non -conformities as 
follows, taking into account the severity of the non -conformity:  
- Critical non -conformities are incidents that compromise the efficacy of the integrated 
measures utilized at the place of production or increase the risk of infestation of the plants 
for planting.  
- Non-critical non -conformities are incidents that do not immedia tely compromise the 
integrated measures or increase the risk of infestation of the plants for planting at the place 
of production.  
Non-conformities can be detected during internal audits, external audits conducted or administered 
by the NPPO of the export ing country, or as a result of examinations of plant material.   
11 
 The place of production (or relevant parts thereof) should have its approval withdrawn and exports 
should be immediately suspended if the NPPO of the exporting country:  
- finds a critical non -conformity  
- repeatedly identifies non -critical non -conformities  
- identifies multiple non -critical non -conformities  
- finds that the producer failed to carry out the required corrective actions within the specified 
time period  
- receives a notification of an interception of a pest from the importing country.  
Reinstatement  should occur only once corrective action has been put into place and an audit by the 
NPPO of the exporting country has confirmed that the non -conformities have been corrected.  
The corrective actions may require a change to the requirements and should inc lude measures to 
prevent recurrence of the failures identified.  
A list of examples of non -conformities can be found in Appendix 2.  
3.0 Responsibilities of the NPPO of the Exporting Country  
The NPPO of the exporting country is responsible for:  
- communicating  importing countries’ requirements to producers  
- developing and setting up the requirements for the integrated measures  
- approving places of production seeking participation in using integrated measures  
- overseeing approved places of production  
- carrying o ut phytosanitary certification to attest that all plants for planting exported by 
approved places of production meet the phytosanitary import requirements   
- providing information on integrated measures developed to the NPPO of the importing 
country upon request  
- granting and facilitating, where justified, visits and audits carried out by the NPPO of the 
importing country in accordance with section 4.1  
- providi ng adequate information on relevant pest outbreaks to the NPPO of the importing 
country in accordance with ISPM 17 ( Pest reporting ).  
3.1 Setting up integrated measures  
In developing and setting up its integrated measures, the NPPO of the exporting country sh ould 
specify the requirements to be met by a producer and the requirements of the importing country or 
countries. Furthermore, the documentation and communication requirements for the producer 
should be specified.  
3.2 Approval of places of production  
Require ments for the approval of places of production that comply with the general integrated 
measures are described in section 2.1.1.   
12 
 The requirements for approval of places of production seeking to use additional integrated measures 
for higher pest risk situat ions are described in section 2.2.1 and should be based upon:  
- an initial documentation audit (including the place of production manual) at the place of 
production to verify that it is complying with the requirements established according to the 
pest risk factors of its production  
- an implementation audit to verify that:  
. the producer complies with the protocols, procedures and standards specified in its place of 
production manual  
.  the required supporting documentation is sufficient, current and readily available to 
personnel  
 .  adequate records and documents are maint ained  
 .  internal audits are performed and corrective actions completed  
. procedures in place are adequate to ensure that any pest problems are quickly identified and 
appropriate actions are taken to ensure that only plants that meet the phytosanitary 
import requirements of the importing country are exported  
. either plant mate rial within the place of production has remained free of all quarantine pests 
or the NPPO was duly informed about infestations of quarantine pests and appropriate 
measures were taken to ensure that the pest has been eradicated  
- the establishment of proce dures to meet tolerance levels for regulated non -quarantine pests as 
required.  
Upon successful completion of the documentation and implementation audit, the place of 
production may be approved by the NPPO of the exporting country to export specific plants  for 
planting to specific countries.  
3.3 Oversight of approved places of production  
After approval, the NPPO of the exporting country should oversee the place of production, in 
particular through monitoring or auditing of the production and operational syste m. The frequency 
and timing of monitoring or auditing should be determined according to the pest risks, 
phytosanitary import requirements and the producer’s record of conformity. Monitoring or auditing 
should include inspection and where applicable, testin g of plants for planting, and verification of 
the documentation and management practices as they relate to the relevant integrated measures.  
3.4 Export inspections and issuance of phytosanitary certificates  
The integrated measures may reduce the need for the  NPPO to undertake growing season 
inspections and may also reduce the frequency or intensity of export inspections of consignments 
of plants for planting. A phytosanitary certificate should be issued in compliance with ISPM 12 
(Phytosanitary certificate s).  
3.5 Providing information  
The NPPO of the exporting country should provide information on the integrated measures being 
used to the NPPO of the importing country if required.   
13 
 4.0 Responsibilities of the NPPO of the Importing Country  
The NPPO of the importing country is responsible for setting and communicating technically 
justified phytosanitary import requirements. In doing so, the NPPO of the importing country 
should, before import, consider the factors that affect pest risks specifically associated with pla nts 
for planting (refer to Annex 1). The phytosanitary import requirements should be consistent with 
the identified pest risks.  
The NPPO of the importing country should notify the NPPO of the exporting country of any 
noncompliances (see ISPM 13 ( Guideline s for the notification of non -compliance and emergency 
action )) that are found upon import or at a later stage in the country of import.  
The NPPO of the importing country may also review the system of approval of places of production 
presented by the NPPO  of the exporting country and, where appropriate, conduct audits. The NPPO 
of the importing country should provide feedback on the results of the reviews, monitoring and 
audits to the NPPO of the exporting country.  
4.1 Auditing  
The NPPO of the importing coun try may request the NPPO of the exporting country to provide 
reports on audits undertaken by the producer and by the NPPO of the exporting country. It may 
also request to audit the integrated measures as developed and set up by the exporting country. This 
audit may consist of documentation review, inspection and testing of plants produced using 
integrated measures, and, where appropriate, site visits as a demonstration of the integrated 
measures used (see ISPM 20 ( Guidelines for a phytosanitary import regul atory system )) or visits 
to specific sites provided that there is specific justification, for example in cases of non -compliance 
(ISPM 13).   
14 
 This annex is a prescriptive part of this standard.  
ANNEX 1: Factors that affect the pest risk of plants for planting  
Plant -related factors that affect risk  
The initial plant -related pest risk factors to be considered are plant species, cultivar and area  of 
origin. Within any given plant species, there is a range of pest risk associated with the type of plant 
material moved including, as broadly ranked below from lowest to highest pest risk (recognizing 
that these rankings may vary depending on specific c ircumstances):  
(1) meristem tissue culture  
(2) in vitro  culture  
(3) budwood/graftwood  
(4) unrooted cuttings  
(5) rooted cuttings  
(6) root fragments, root cuttings, rootlets or rhizomes  
(7) bulbs and tubers  
(8) bare root plants  
(9) rooted plants in pots.  
In addition, pest risk may in crease with plant age, as older plants have had longer exposure to 
potential pests.   
Production -related factors that affect pest risk  
How plants for planting are produced can influence the level of pest risk. These factors may 
include:  
(1) growing media  
(2) irrigation method and water source  
(3) growing conditions  
(4) mixing of different plant species.  
In general, use of soil as a growing medium is likely to pose a greater pest risk than a soil -free 
medium because soil is more likely to carry soil -borne pests (such as micro -organisms, arthropods, 
nematodes). Sterilization, pasteurization or other effective methods for treating the growing 
medium prior to planting may manage some pest risk.  
The source and quality of irrigation water can affect pest r isk. For certain pests spread by water, 
surface water may pose a greater pest risk than treated water. Likewise the method of irrigation 
may produce microclimates or conditions favourable for pest development and spread (e.g. 
overhead rather than drip irri gation).  
Examples of growing conditions that may affect pest risk are listed below, broadly ranked from 
lowest to highest pest risk:  
(1) growth chamber   
15 
 (2) greenhouse  
(3) screen house  
(4) field grown in containers (pots, tubs etc.)  
(5) field grown  
(6) plants collected from  the wild.  
Enclosures such as growth chambers, greenhouses and screen houses usually provide better control 
over plant material and better opportunity for pest exclusion than field -grown plants. Plants grown 
in containers with sterilized growing medium or  grown on a membrane may afford some protection 
from soil -borne pests. Field -grown crops are generally subject to cultural and chemical pest 
control. Plants  
collected in the wild are unprotected from pests and potentially are of higher pest risk. Also aqu atic 
plants produced with or without any substrate may carry specific risk for the transmission of pests. 
Production systems may not fit into one of the above categories and may comprise a combination 
of several growing conditions (e.g. wild collected plan ts being transplanted into containers for 
further growing in the field before export). Certification schemes require specific combinations of 
these factors and may provide specific safeguards.  
 
Intended uses that affect pest risk  
Plants for planting are classified in ISPM 32 as a high pest risk commodity category. Different 
intended uses that affect the pest risk may include whether plants are grown as annuals or 
perennials, whether they are grown indoors or outdoors, whether they are grown in urban areas, 
field or nursery etc.    
16 
 This appendix is for reference purposes only and is not a prescriptive part of this standard.  
APPENDIX 1: Examples of pest management measures to reduce the pest risk  of plants  
for planting at a place of production  
Table 1.  Examples of measures that may be applied to reduce the pest risk of plants for planting 
at a place of production categorized by pest group (pest groups may be overlapping, e.g. groups 1 
and 3, and a variety of available measures may be required to adequately address pest risk)  
  Pest group   Available measures   
1  Pests causing latent 
infections and those 
that are likely to be 
transmitted by plants 
for planting without 
signs or symptoms  - Derivation from mother plants that have been tested and 
found free from the relevant pest  
- Isolation from sources of infestation ( e.g. buffer zone or 
geographical distance from other host plants, physical 
isolation using a glasshouse or polytunnel, isolation in 
time (e.g. growing season) from a source of infestation 
(temporal isolation))  
- Testing of samples of the plants for freedom from pests  
- Production within a specified certification scheme or 
clean stock programme that controls the relevant pests  
- Use of indicator plants  
- Production of tissue cultures (including meristem tip 
cultures) which may eliminate pathogens.   
2  Pests having stages 
and symptoms that are 
visible during the 
growing season  - Growing season inspection for freedom from pests or 
symptoms (e.g.  at timed intervals, for example monthly 
for the three months before export or at different growth 
stages)  
- Growing season inspection of the mother plants  
- Inspection after harvest to meet a specified tolerance level 
for a pest  
(e.g. tolerance for bulb ro ts by fungi/bacteria)  
- Pesticide applications  
- Ensuring appropriate conditions for symptom expression  
- Production within a specified certification scheme or 
clean stock programme that controls the relevant pests.   
17 
   Pest group   Available measures   
3  Pests spread by contact  - Prevention of contact with sources of infestation (e.g. 
other plants)  
- Hygiene measures for handling pruning tools and 
equipment between different batches/lots  
- Planning of activities in the place of production to work 
with plants of higher health first - Use of dedicated 
clothing and equipment in isolated places (e.g. screen  
houses)  
- Pesticide applications  
- Isolation from sources of infestation (e.g.  buffer zone or 
geographical distance from other host plants, physical 
isolation using a glasshouse or polytunnel, temporal 
isolation).  
4  Pests transmitted by 
vectors  - Isolation from sources of infestation (e.g.  buffer zone or 
geographical distance from other host plants, physical isolation 
using a glasshouse or polytunnel, temporal isolation) - Pre-
planting soil testing for freedom from or to meet a tolerance for 
soil-borne pests or their vectors - Pesticide tre atments for 
control of insect vectors of pests (e.g. aphids).  
5  Pests spread by wind  - Isolation from sources of infestation (e.g.  buffer zone or 
geographical distance from other host plants, physical 
isolation using a glasshouse or polytunnel)  
- Pesticide applications.  
6  Pests spread by water  -  Use of uncontaminated water sources, free of pests  
- Irrigation water to be disinfected or sterilized before use 
or reuse  
- Isolation from sources of infestation (e.g.  buffer zone or 
geographical distance from other host plants, physical 
isolation using a glasshouse or polytunnel, temporal 
isolation).  
 
7  Soil-borne pests able 
to colonize the plant  - Isolation from sources of infestation (e.g.  buffer zone or 
geographical distance from other host plants, physical 
isolation using a glasshouse or polytunnel, growth of 
plants on raised benches, temporal isolation)  
- Derivation from mother plants that have been tested and 
found free from the relevant  pest   
18 
   Pest group   Available measures   
- Production within a specified certification scheme or 
clean stock programme  
Testing of samples of the plants for freedom from pests - Pre-
planting soil treatment or testing for freedom from pests such as 
fungi, nematodes, viruses transmissible by n ematodes - Use of 
soil-less growing media.  
8  Soil-borne pests in 
growing medium 
attached to plants  - Growing medium to be sterilized before use  
- Use of inert growing media  
- Use of soil -less growing media  
- Isolation from sources of infestation, maintenance of 
plants in such a way that contact with soil is prevented 
(e.g. on raised benches)  
- Pesticide treatment (e.g. drench or fumigation) prior to 
export  
- Roots washed free from growing medium (and repotted in 
sterile growing medium in  a sterile container).  
9  Soil-borne pests in soil 
attached to plants  - Isolation from sources of infestation (e.g.  buffer zone or 
geographical distance from other host plants, temporal 
isolation)  
- Pre-planting soil treatment or testing for freedom from 
pests (especially nematodes, fungi)  
- Pesticide treatment (e.g.  drench or fumigation) prior to 
export  
- Roots washed free from soil (and repotted in sterile 
growing medium in a sterile container).  
 
  
 
Table 2 . Examples of measures that may be applied to reduce the pest risk of plants for planting 
based on the type of  plant material   
19 
 Type of plant broadly 
ranked according to 
pests risk  Examples of pest types  Available measures  
Meristem culture and in 
vitro  culture  Viruses and virus -like 
diseases, bacteria, fungi, 
stem nematodes, mites and 
insects  - Derivation from mother 
plants that have been tested 
and found free from the 
relevant pest  
- Cultivation in sterile medium 
under sealed aseptic 
conditions  
- Testing of samples of the 
plants for freedom from pests.   
Budwood/graftwood  Bacteria and viruses, fungi, 
insects and other pests  See groups 1 to 7 in Table 1  
Unrooted cuttings  Insects, viruses, bacteria, 
fungi and other pests  See groups 1 to 7 in Table 1  
 -        Hot water treatment.  
Rooted cuttings  Nematodes, insects, viruses 
and bacteria and other pests  Measures depend inter alia  on the 
pest risk of the growing medium 
used.  
See groups 1 to 7 in Table 1  
Bulbs and tubers, root 
fragments, root cuttings, 
rootlets or rhizomes  Nematodes, viruses, 
bacteria, fungi, insects and 
other pests  See groups 1 to 7 Table 1  
Hot water dipping to control 
nematodes.  
Bare root plants  Nematodes and all other 
pests of the aerial plant part  See groups 1 to 7 in Table 1  
Plants in growing media 
excluding soil  Nematodes and all other 
pests of the aerial plant part  See groups 1 to 8 in Table 1  
Plants in soil  Nematodes and all other 
pests of the aerial plant part  See groups 1 to 9 in Table 1  
  
    
20 
 This appendix is for reference purposes only and is not a prescriptive part of this standard.  
APPENDIX 2: Examples of non -conformity  
Examples of non -conformity may include the following:  
(1) detection of quarantine pests or regulated non -quarantine pests (above set tolerance levels) 
of concern to the importing country on plants in or from the place of production  
(2) failure to undertake requi red laboratory tests or analyses or correctly follow procedures to 
identify pests  
(3) failure to carry out control measures at the place of production for regulated pests  
(4) failure to notify the NPPO of the exporting country of the presence of regulated pests at the 
place of production  
(5) export of ineligible plant taxa, plants from non -authorized origins, or plants not meeting 
phytosanitary import requirements  
(6) failure to correctly list the botanical names of all the plants on documents accompanying 
consignments   
(7) failure to keep consistent pest management records as required in the place of production 
manual and pest management programme  
(8) failure to keep consistent records of country of origin of plant material  
(9) failure to undertake ordered corrective actions wit hin the specified time period  
(10) failure to perform internal audits as required  
(11) operating without adequately trained personnel, designated responsible person or plant 
protection specialist  
(12) significant modification of the place of production manual or pest management practices 
without prior approval from the NPPO of the exporting country  
(13) failure to examine incoming or outgoing plant material  
(14) failure to keep plants for planting that have been examined for export separate from other 
plant material that has n ot been examined  
(15) failure to maintain an effective pest management programme  
(16) failure to maintain sanitation management practices at the place of production  
(17) failure to periodically provide personnel with relevant training  
(18) failure to maintain an up -to-date list and training records of all personnel involved in 
implementing the place of production manual  
(19) failure to consistently sign and date reports or records   
(20) failure to record relevant changes to the lists of plant taxa produced, their location in the 
place of production and the plant material to be exported  
(21) failure to detect and record low -level populations of pests  
(22) failure to inform the NPPO of the export ing country of any changes to management practices 
outlined in the place of production manual.  
   
21 
  
 
Dominica Bureau of Standards  
 
Dominica Bureau of Standards is a statutory body established under the Standards Act No. 4 of 
1999 to establish, promote and maintain Standards for:  
a. Improving goods and services produced or used in Dominica;  
b. Processes and practices for ensuring industrial efficiency and development;  
c. Public and industrial welfare, health and safety;  
d. Safeguarding the environment.  
 
The National Sta ndard Council  
 
The National Standard Council (NSC), a fourteen (14) member Council representing various 
interest groups, is appointed by the Minister responsible for the Dominica Bureau of Standards 
yearly, to guide the policy decision matters of the Bure au and oversee its financial management. 
The Council is also responsible for the general administrative affairs of the Dominica Bureau of 
Standards.