D-DNS 15: 202x  
 
  
 
DOMINICA NATIONAL STANDARD  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
SYSTEMS APPROACH FOR PEST RISK MANAGEMENT OF 
FRUIT FLIES (TEPHRITIDAE)  
 
D-DNS 15: 20 2x 
 
 
 
 
©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  ______  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
COPYRIGHT © 202x  
 
This document contains proprietary information, and should not be published, reproduced, copied, 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  
SYSTEMS APPROACH FOR PEST RISK MANAGEMENT OF FRUIT FLIES 
(TEPHRITIDAE)  
 
D-DNS 15: 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 relev ant 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 Or ganization for Standardization 
(ISO), an affiliate member of the International Electro -technical Commission (IEC), and a member 
of the Caribbean Regional Organization 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 the World Trade Organization (WTO) on matters pertaining to the Technical Barriers to 
Trade (TB T) 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  
SYSTEMS APPROACH FOR PEST RISK MANAGEMENT OF FRUIT FLIES 
(TEPHRITIDAE)  
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 ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ......3 
INTRODUCTION  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ......4 
Scope  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ........................... 4 
References  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ................... 4 
Definition s ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ................... 4 
Outline of Requirements  ................................ ................................ ................................ ............................. 4 
BACKGROUND  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ........ 5 
REQUIREMENTS  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ......5 
1.  Decision to Implement an FF -SA ................................ ................................ ................................ ....... 5 
Development of an FF -SA ................................ ................................ ................................ .......................... 6 
3.  Documentation and Record Keeping  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..8 
4.  Verification  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ......... 9 
5.  Tolerance Level  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ..9 
6.  Non-conformity and Non -compliance  ................................ ................................ ................................ 9 
ANNEX 1: Establishment of areas of low pest prevalence for fruit flies  ................................ ................... 9 
1.  Operational Plans  ................................ ................................ ................................ ............................  10 
2.  Determination of an FF -ALPP  ................................ ................................ ................................ ........  10 
3.  Documentation and Record Keeping  ................................ ................................ ...............................  11 
4.  Supervision Activities  ................................ ................................ ................................ .....................  11 
5.  Establishment of the FF -ALPP  ................................ ................................ ................................ ........  12 
5.1  Determination of the specified level of low pest prevalence  ................................ .......................  12 
5.2  Geographical description  ................................ ................................ ................................ .............  12 
5.3  Surveillance activities prior to establishment  ................................ ................................ ..............  13 
6.  Phytosanitary procedures  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................  13 
6.1  Surveillance activities  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..................  13 
6.2  Reduction and maintenance of target fruit fly species population level  ................................ ...... 13 
6.3  Phytosanitary measures related to movement of host material or regulated articles  ...................  14 
6.4  Domestic declaration of an FF -ALPP  ................................ ................................ .........................  14 
7.  Maintenance of the FF -ALPP  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..........  14 
7.1  Surveillance  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ . 14  
2 
 7.2  Control mea sures to maintain low prevalence levels of target fruit fly species  ..........................  14 
8.  Corrective Action Plans  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...................  14 
8.1  Preparation of the corrective action plan  ................................ ................................ .....................  14 
8.2  Implementation of the corrective action plan  ................................ ................................ ..............  15 
8.2.1 Notice to implement corrective  actions  ................................ ................................ ......................  15 
8.2.2 Determination of the pest status  ................................ ................................ ................................ . 15 
8.2.3 Suspension of FF -ALPP status  ................................ ................................ ................................ ... 15 
8.2.4 Rectification of procedural faults  ................................ ................................ ...............................  15 
8.2.5 Implementation of control measures in the affected area  ................................ ...........................  16 
8.2.6 Notification of relevant agencies  ................................ ................................ ................................  16 
9.  Suspension, Reinstatement and Revocation of an FF -ALPP status  ................................ ................  16 
9.1  Suspension  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ... 16 
9.2  Reinstatement  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..............................  16 
9.3  Revocation  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ... 16 
APPENDIX 1 OF ANNEX 1: Typical applications of an FF -ALPP  ................................ .......................  18 
1.  FF-ALPP as Buffer Zones  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...............  18 
1.1  Determination of an FF -ALPP as a buffer zone  ................................ ................................ ..........  18 
1.2  Establishment of an FF -ALPP as a buffer zone  ................................ ................................ ..........  18 
1.3  Maintenance of an FF -ALPP as a buffer zone  ................................ ................................ ............  18 
2.  FF-ALPPs for Export Purposes  ................................ ................................ ................................ .......  18 
2.1  Determination of an FF -ALPP for export purposes  ................................ ................................ .... 18 
2.2  Maintenance of an FF -ALPP for export purposes  ................................ ................................ .......  19 
ANNEX 2: Parameters used to estimate the level of fruit fly prevalence  ................................ ................  20 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
3 
 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 notified by the 
Minister with responsibility for the Bureau of Standards in a Notice publis hed in the 
Commonwealth of Dominica Official Gazette on ________________.  
 
0.3. This standard is an identical adoption of International Standards for Phytosanitary 
Measures (ISPM) 35: 2018 - Systems approach for pest risk management of fruit flies 
(Tephritidae) . 
 
0.4. Acknowledgement is given to International Plant Protection Convention  (IPPC ) for 
providing permission to adopt ISPM 35: 2018.  
 
0.5. Although the editorial style and layout of the ISPM 35: 2018 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.  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
4 
 INTRODUCTION  
Scope  
This standard provides guidance for the development, implementation and verification of integrated 
measures in a systems approach as an option for pest risk management of fruit flies (Tephritidae) 
of economic importance to facilitate t rade of fruit fly host products or to minimize the spread of 
regulated fruit flies within an area.  
Annex 3, Appendix 1 and Appendix 2 of ISPM 26 also apply to this standard.  
References  
The present standard refers to ISPMs. ISPMs are available on the Int ernational Phytosanitary Portal 
(IPP) at https://www.ippc.int/core -activities/standards -setting/ispms .  
Definitions  
Definition of phytosanitary terms used in this standard can be found in ISPM 5 ( Glossary of 
phytosanitary terms ).  
Outline of Requirements  
For the development of a fruit fly systems approach (FF -SA), the relationship between host, target 
fruit fly species and area of production of the host fruits and vegetables1 should be considered. The 
options for pest risk management measures should be determined by means of pest risk analysis 
(PRA).  
An FF -SA includes at least two independent measures, which may be applied throughout various 
stages of the process, specificall y during the growing period and harvest; post -harvest and 
transportation; and entry and distribution within the importing country. An FF -SA may be 
developed in an area of low pest prevalence or temporary or localized pest absence of the target 
fruit fly sp ecies in combination with other measures (such as selection of less susceptible hosts, 
crop management practices or post -harvest handling) to reduce pest risk to meet the phytosanitary 
requirements of the importing country. Establishment and maintenance of  a fruit fly area of low 
pest prevalence (FF -ALPP) should be considered one of the optional measures when developing a 
systems approach; however, it should not be considered mandatory.  
Guidance for the establishment and maintenance of an FF -ALPP is availa ble in Annex 1.  
Parameters used to estimate the level of fruit fly prevalence and the efficacy of trapping devices for 
surveillance should be determined following the information in Annex 2.  
For development, implementation and verification of an FF -SA, operational proced ures are 
necessary. Conformity with these procedures should be ensured and verified by the national plant 
protection organization (NPPO) of the exporting country. Procedures should be monitored during 
the implementation and corrective actions should be tak en in case of non -conformity.  
 
1 Fruits and vegetables hereafter are referred to as fruits.   
5 
 The development, implementation and verification of an FF -SA should be adequately documented 
and the documentation reviewed and updated when necessary, by the NPPO of the exporting 
country.  
BACKGROUND  
Many species of fruit flies are pests of economic importance and their introduction may pose a pest 
risk. To identify and manage the target fruit fly species risk, a PRA should be conducted by the 
NPPO of the importing country and phytosanitary measures may be applied (ISPM 2 ( Framework 
for pest risk analysis ), ISPM 11 ( Pest risk analysis for quarantine pests )).  
Systems approaches have been developed as pest risk management measures in situations where a 
single measure is not available or practicable, or in cases where a system s approach is more cost 
effective than the single measure available. The decision to implement a specific FF -SA depends 
on the particular relationship between the host fruit, the target fruit fly species and the specified 
fruit production area.  
A systems approach requires a combination of at least two measures that are independent of each 
other, and may include any number of measures that are dependent on each other (ISPM 14 ( The 
use of integrated measures in a systems approach for pest risk management )). Areas of low pest 
prevalence  may be used as part of a systems approach (see ISPM 14 and ISPM 22 ( Requirements 
for the establishment of areas of low pest prevalence )).  
Treatments used in an FF -SA are those not considered sufficiently efficacious to be appl ied as a 
single measure. The measures may be applied in different places at different times and may 
therefore involve a number of organizations and individuals.  
Often, countries have used phytosanitary measures such as treatments or fruit fly pest free ar eas 
(FF-PFAs) (ISPM 26 ( Establishment of pest free areas for fruit flies (Tephritidae) )) to support 
import or movement of host fruit. In other cases, prohibition has been applied. An FF -SA may be 
an alternative to facilitate the export and movement of frui t fly hosts into endangered areas. NPPOs 
may recognize FF -SAs as being equivalent to single measures. The exporting country may seek 
formal approval of equivalence of these measures with the importing country. In cases where an 
effective FF -SA has been imp lemented, components of those systems may be used by other 
importing and exporting countries to facilitate the movement of fruit from areas with similar 
conditions.  
An FF - SA can be applied in an area of fruit production as small as a production site or a s large as 
a country.  
REQUIREMENTS  
1.  Decision to Implement an FF -SA  
It is the responsibility of the importing country to establish and communicate its technically 
justified phytosanitary import requirements. A combination of pest risk management measures 
integrated into an FF -SA is one of the options that the importing cou ntry may select as the basis 
for phytosanitary import requirements (ISPM 14).   
6 
 The development of an FF -SA is the responsibility of the NPPO of the exporting country. An FF -
SA may be developed and implemented in cases where:  
(1) The importing country, in its phytosanitary import requirements, specifies a systems 
approach to be used in the exporting country.  
(2) The importing country does not explicitly require a systems approach, but the NPPO of the 
exporting country deems a systems approach to be a suitable and effective approach for 
achieving the importing country’s phytosanitary import requirements. The exporting country 
may need to negotiate formal approval of the equivalence of measures with the importing 
country (ISPM 24 ( Guidelines for the determination and  recognition of equivalence of 
phytosanitary measures )).  
An FF - SA should have the appropriate combination of measures to achieve the appropriate level 
of protection. They should be scientifically sound and be selected to meet the phytosanitary import 
requirements. Aspects of operational feasibility include cost -effectiveness of the measures to be 
applied while seeking to impose the least restrictive measures necessary to manage target fruit fly 
species risk.  
The fruit production area proposed for impleme nting an FF -SA should be defined and the 
participating producers should be approved by the NPPO of the exporting country.  
It may be advisable that NPPOs involve other stakeholders in the development of an FF -SA (ISPM 
2).  
Basic information required for th e development of an FF -SA includes the following:  
- The host should be identified to the species level. In cases where risk varies with the variety 
(e.g., because of varying tolerance to infestation), the host should be identified to the variety 
level (ISPM  37 (Determination of host status of fruit to fruit fly (Tephritidae) ).  
- The stage of maturity of the fruit being examined is relevant (ISPM 37).  
- Data on the target fruit fly species associated with the host should be available (Annex 1).  
- The fruit production area defined for implementing an FF -SA should be described and 
adequately documented with particular attention to host distribution in commercial areas as 
well as non -commercial areas, if appropriate.  
In practice, FF -SAs may be applie d to one or more hosts or target fruit fly species in the same fruit 
production area.  
Development of an FF -SA  
Measures may be applied at various stages from production of fruit within the exporting country to 
distribution within the importing country. Th e NPPO of the importing country may also implement 
one or more measures on arrival of the consignment. Measures applied at the different stages to 
prevent fruit fly infestation may include those described below.   
Pre-planting:  
- selecting planting sites with low pest incidence of target fruit fly species (e.g., FF -ALPPs, 
areas unsuitable because of geographical location, altitude or climate)  
- selecting less susceptible fruit species or varieties   
7 
 - sanitation  
- managing hosts other t han the crop  
- intercropping with non -fruit fly host plants  
- growing host fruit during specific periods when the pest incidence of target fruit fly species 
is low or temporally absent.   
Growing period:  
- flowering control and timing of fruit production  
- chem ical control such as insecticide bait treatments, bait stations and male annihilation 
technique, and biological control such as natural enemies  
- physical protection mechanisms (e.g., bagging fruit, fruit fly protected structures)  
- sterile insect technique  
- mass trapping  
- management of non -commercial hosts within the production area (e.g., elimination or  
replacement of other host plants by non -host plants where appropriate)  
- monitoring and survey of the target fruit fly species (e.g ., trapping or fruit sampling)  
- sanitation (i.e., collection, removal and appropriate disposal of fallen fruit from the orchard 
or removal of mature fruit from the tree)  
- fruit stripping.   
Harvest:  
- harvest at a specific stage of fruit development or time of the year  
- safeguarding activities to prevent infestation at harvest  
- surveillance, including fruit cutting   
- sanitation (e.g., safe removal and disposal of fallen fruit).   
Post-harvest and handling:  
- safeguarding activities to prevent infestation, for e xample chilling fruit, refrigerated 
transport, processing in screen -protected packing rooms, warehouses and transit 
conveyances, using cold storage, wrapping of fruit  
- monitoring for target fruit fly species absence by trapping in and around packing houses   
- sanitation (e.g., removal of fruit with signs of infestation (culling) in packing houses)  
- sampling, inspection (e.g., by fruit cutting) or testing  
- treatments that are not considered sufficiently efficacious as a single measure -  packing 
requirements (e.g., using insect -proof packaging) -  ensuring traceability of lots.   
Transportation and distribution:  
- safeguarding activities to prevent target fruit fly species infestation  
- treatments that are not considered sufficiently efficacious as a  single measure (before, during 
or after transport)   
8 
 - limiting distribution geographically or seasonally to areas where or periods when target fruit 
fly species cannot establish or where suitable hosts are not present.   
Measures applied to several or all st ages:  
- community awareness programmes to generate support from the public  
- control of movement of host fruit and other pathways into the area (e.g., requirements for 
production sites or islands).   
3.  Documentation and Record Keeping  
The development, impl ementation and verification of an FF -SA should be properly documented by 
the NPPO of the exporting country. The roles and responsibilities of the NPPOs of the exporting 
and importing countries should be specified and documented. The documentation and recor ds 
should be reviewed and updated regularly, maintained for at least 24 months and made available 
to the NPPO of the importing country upon request.  
Documentation may include:  
- phytosanitary import requirements and, if available, a report of the PRA  
- identification and description of the measures for reducing risk  
- description of the requirements for the operational procedures of an FF -SA  
- description of the area intended for an FF-SA  
- descriptions of host fruit to be exported and target fruit fly species  
- details of the organizations involved and their roles and responsibilities and any linkages, 
including for example:    
o registration of organizations involved or stakeholders  
o agreement to cooperate in surveillance and control procedures  
o evidence of conformity with FF -SA requirements (origin of fruit, movement from 
place of production, selection and packing of fruit, transportation and safeguarding 
of fruit)  
o agreement to take app ropriate corrective actions record keeping and availability  
- description of pest surveillance and control programme  
- survey results  
- training programme for FF -SA participants  
- traceability procedures  
- technical basis for specific procedures  
- survey, detect ion and diagnostic methodology  
- description of corrective actions and records of follow -up  
- reviews of the implementation of an FF -SA  
- contingency plans.  
  
9 
 4.  Verification  
The measures in an FF -SA should be implemented in accordance with the approved phytosanitary 
procedures and should be monitored by the NPPO of the exporting country to ensure the system 
achieves its objectives.  
The NPPO of the exporting country has the re sponsibility to monitor the implementation and the 
effectiveness of all stages of an FF -SA. In cases where the operational procedures of an FF -SA 
were properly implemented, but one or more of the components did not provide sufficient pest risk 
management t o give the required effectiveness of all stages, a revision of the FF -SA should be 
conducted to ensure that phytosanitary import requirements are met. This revision may not 
necessarily involve the suspension of trade. Other components of the FF -SA may not need to be 
verified again. The frequency of verification should be influenced by the design of the FF -SA.  
The NPPO of the importing country may audit an FF -SA in agreement with the NPPO of the 
exporting country.  
5.  Tolerance Level  
In many cases, the ba sis for developing an FF -SA may be that the target fruit fly species incidence 
is kept at or below a tolerance level (in connection with fruit flies, the term “specified pest 
population level” has sometimes been used instead of “tolerance level”) specified  by the NPPO of 
the importing country in the defined area, for example an FF -ALPP. This may be as a result of a 
naturally low target fruit fly species incidence or as a result of the implementation of control 
measures (Annex 2).  
Evidence to support the ta rget fruit fly species incidence being kept at or below the specified 
tolerance level may be required and, if so, should be obtained as a result of trapping or fruit 
sampling. Surveillance of target fruit fly species incidence may be conducted not only dur ing the 
growing period of the host fruit but also during non -growing periods.  
6.  Non-conformity and Non -compliance  
Non-conformity involves incorrect implementation or failure of an FF -SA. In such cases, the NPPO 
of the exporting country may suspend the trade from the non -conforming component of the FF -SA 
until corrective actions have been taken to address the non -conformity. Non -conformity may occur 
in one or more stages of an FF -SA. It is important to identify at which stage the non -conformity 
has occur red.  
The NPPO of the exporting country should notify the NPPO of the importing country of any 
nonconformity that may have affected a shipment or phytosanitary certification.  
The NPPO of the importing country should notify the NPPO of the exporting country of a ny cases 
of non -compliance (see ISPM 13 ( Guidelines for the notification of non -compliance and emergency 
action )).   
9 
  
This annex is a prescriptive part of the standard.  
ANNEX 1: Establishment of areas of low pest prevalence for fruit flies  
This annex provides guidance for the establishment and maintenance of an FF -ALPP with the 
aim to facilitate trade by minimizing the risk of introduction or spread of regulated fruit flies. 
The guidance covers:  
- confirming the operational and economic feasibility of the FF -ALPP  
- describing the purpose of the FF -ALPP  
- listing the target fruit fly species for the FF -ALPP  
- operational plan s  
- determination of the FF -ALPP  
- documentation and record keeping  
- supervision activities.  
Information on the typical applications of an FF -ALPP is available in Appendix 1 of this annex.  
FF-ALPPs are generally used as buffer zones for FF -PFAs, fruit fly free places of production 
or fruit fly free production sites (either as a permanent buffer z one or as part of an eradication 
process), or for export purposes, usually in conjunction with other risk mitigation measures as 
a component of an FF -SA (which may include all or part of an FF -ALPP that acts as a buffer 
zone).   
They may occur naturally (a nd subsequently be verified, declared and monitored or otherwise 
managed); they may occur as a result of pest control practices during crop production that 
suppress the population of fruit flies in an area to limit their impact on the crop; or they may be 
established as a result of control practices that reduce the number of fruit flies in the area to a 
specified low level.   
The decision to establish an FF -ALPP may be closely linked to market access as well as to 
economic and operational feasibility.   
If an FF -ALPP is established for export of fruit fly host commodities, the parameters for 
establishment and maintenance of the FF -ALPP should be determined and agreed to in 
conjunction with the importing country, in consideration of the guidance presented in this annex 
and in accordance with ISPM 29 ( Recognition of pest free areas and areas of low pest 
prevalence ).   
The requirements for the establishment of FF -ALPPs in this annex can also be applied for 
movement of fruit between FF -ALPPs within a country.  
The concepts and provisions of ISPM 22 apply to the establishment and maintenance of ALPPs 
for a specified pest, including fruit flies, and therefore ISPM 22 should be referred to in 
conjunction with this annex.   
An FF -ALPP may be established in accordance with this annex under a variety of situations. 
Some situations may require the application of the full range of elements described by this 
annex, whereas others may require the application of only some of those elements.  
Phytosanitary measures and specifi c procedures as further described in this annex may be 
required for the establishment and maintenance of an FF -ALPP by the NPPO. The decision to  
10 
 establish an FFALPP may be based on all or some of the technical factors described in this 
annex, as appropriat e. They include factors such as pest biology and control methods, which 
will vary according to the species of fruit fly for which the FF -ALPP is being established.   
The establishment of an FF -ALPP should be considered against the overall operational and 
economic feasibility of establishing a programme to meet and maintain the low pest level and 
the objectives of the FF -ALPP.  
  
An FF -ALPP may be established to facilit ate the movement of fruit fly hosts from one FF -ALPP 
to another area of the same fruit fly pest status in order to protect areas endangered by a 
regulated fruit fly pest.   
The essential prerequisite for establishment of an FF -ALPP is an area that can be d elimited, 
monitored and verified by the NPPO to be of a specified fruit fly low pest prevalence level. The 
area may occur naturally as a result of climatic, biological or geographical factors that reduce 
or limit the fruit fly population through all or par t of the year, it may be in place to protect an 
FF-PFA or to support sustainable crop production, or may have developed in response to 
suppression or eradication actions.  
An area can be defined as an FF -ALPP for one or more target fruit fly species. Howev er, for an 
FF-ALPP covering multiple target fruit fly species, trapping devices and their deployment 
densities and locations should be specified (see Appendix 1 of ISPM 26) and low pest 
prevalence levels determined for each target fruit fly species.   
FF-ALPPs should include public awareness programmes of a similar nature as outlined in ISPM 
26.  
1.  Operational Plans  
An official operational plan is needed to specify the phytosanitary procedures required to 
establish and maintain an FF -ALPP.   
The operatio nal plan should describe the main tasks to be carried out such as surveillance 
activities, procedures to maintain the specified level of low pest prevalence, preparation of the 
corrective action plan, and any others that are required to achieve the objecti ve of the FF -ALPP.  
2.  Determination of an FF -ALPP  
Elements to be considered in the determination of an FF -ALPP are as follows:  
- delimitation of the area (size, detailed maps including an accurate description of the 
boundaries or global positioning system (GPS) coordinates for the boundaries, natural 
barriers, entry points, location of commercial and, as appropriate, non -commercial hosts 
of the target fruit fly and urban areas)  
- target fruit fly species and its/their seasonal and spatial distribution within the area  
- location, abundance and seasonality of hosts, including, wherever possible, specification 
of primary (biologically pre ferred) hosts  
- climatic characteristics, including rainfall, relative humidity, temperature, and prevailing 
wind speed and direction  
- factors limiting and keeping fruit fly population(s) at low levels.   
11 
 In areas where prevalence of fruit flies is naturally  at a low level because of climatic, 
geographical or other reasons (e.g., natural enemies, availability of suitable hosts, host 
seasonality), the target fruit fly population may already be below the specified level of low pest 
prevalence without applying a ny control measures. In such cases, surveillance should be 
undertaken over an appropriate length of time to validate the low prevalence status and this 
status may be recognized in accordance with ISPM 8 ( Determination of pest status in an area ). 
If, howeve r, the fruit flies are detected above the specified level of low pest prevalence (e.g., 
because of extraordinary climatic conditions) corrective actions should be applied. Corrective 
action plans are described in section 8 of this annex.  
3.  Documentation  and Record Keeping   
The phytosanitary procedures used for the determination, establishment, verification and 
maintenance of an FF -ALPP should be adequately documented. These procedures should be 
reviewed and updated regularly, including the corrective ac tions if required (as described in 
ISPM 22). It is recommended that a manual of procedures relating to the operational plan be 
prepared for the FF -ALPP.   
Documentation for determination and establishment may include:  
- list of fruit fly hosts known to occu r in the area, including seasonality and commercial 
fruit production in the area (ISPM 37)  
- delimitation records: detailed maps showing the boundaries, natural barriers and points 
where fruits may enter the area; description of agro -ecological features suc h as soil type, 
the location of main host areas of the target fruit fly, and marginal and urban host areas; 
and climatic conditions, for example rainfall, relative humidity, temperature, and 
prevailing wind speed and direction  
- surveillance records:  
o trapping: types of surveys, number and type of traps and lures, frequency of trap 
inspection, trap density, trap array, trapping time and duration, number of target 
fruit flies captured by species for each trap, trap servicing (see Appendix 1 of 
ISPM 26)  
o fruit sampling: type, quantity, date, frequency and result (see Appendix 2 of 
ISPM 26)  
- record of control measures used for fruit flies and other pests that may have an effect on 
fruit fly populations: type(s) and location(s).  
For verification and mainten ance, documentation should include the data recorded to 
demonstrate the population levels of the target fruit fly species are below the specified level of 
low pest prevalence. The records of surveys and results of other operational procedures should 
be ret ained for at least 24 months. If the FF -ALPP is being used for export purposes, records 
should be made available to the NPPO of the relevant importing country on request and 
verification may take place if necessary.  
Corrective action plans should also be developed and maintained (see section 8 of this annex).  
4.  Supervision Activities  
The FF -ALPP programme, including applicable domestic regulations, surveillance procedures 
(e.g., trapping, fruit sampling) and corrective action plans, should comply with officially 
approved procedures. These procedures may include official delegation of responsibility to key 
personnel, for example:   
12 
 - a person with defined authority and responsibility to ensure that the systems and 
procedures are implemented and maintained a ppropriately  
- entomologist(s) with responsibility for the identification of fruit flies to species level.  
The NPPO should evaluate and audit the operation of the procedures for the establishment and 
maintenance of the FF -ALPP to ensure that effective mana gement is maintained even where 
the responsibility to carry out specific activities has been delegated to outside the NPPO. 
Supervision of operational procedures include:   
- operation of surveillance procedures  
- surveillance capability  
- trapping materials (traps, attractants) and procedures  
- identification capability  
- application of control measures  
- documentation and record keeping  
- implementation of corrective actions.  
 
5.  Establishment of the FF -ALPP  
Element s for consideration when establishing an FF -PFA are described in ISPM 26 and may 
also be applied to establishing an FF -ALPP as defined in following subsections.  
 
5.1  Determination of the specified level of low pest prevalence  
Specified levels of low pest prevalence will depend on the level of risk associated with the target 
fruit fly species –host–area interaction. These levels should be established by the NPPO of the 
country where the FF -ALPP is located and with sufficient prec ision to allow assessment of 
whether surveillance data and protocols are adequate to determine that pest prevalence is below 
these levels.  
Individual NPPOs may draw on a variety of factors when determining exactly what an 
appropriate level of pest prevale nce should be for a given FF -ALPP. Some commonly 
considered factors include the following:  
- levels stipulated by trading partners in order for trade to proceed  
- levels in use by other NPPOs for the same or similar fruit fly species, hosts and agro -
ecologic al conditions (including experience and historical data gained from the operation 
of other FF -ALPPs as to what levels are required to be maintained to achieve pest free 
fruits).  
Establishment of the parameters used to estimate the level of fruit fly preva lence is described in 
Annex 2 of this standard.  
5.2  Geographical description  
The NPPO defines the limits of a proposed FF -ALPP. Isolation of the area (physical or 
geographical) is not necessarily required for the establishment of an FF -ALPPs.  
Boundarie s used to describe the delimitation of the FF -ALPP should be established and closely 
related to the relative presence of hosts of the target fruit fly species or adjusted to readily 
recognizable boundaries.   
13 
 5.3  Surveillance activities prior to establishment  
Before the establishment of an FF -ALPP, surveillance to assess the presence and level of 
prevalence of the target fruit fly species should be undertaken for a period determined by its 
biology, behaviour, climatic characteristics of the area,  host availability and appropriate 
technical considerations. This surveillance should continue for at least 12 consecutive months.  
6.  Phytosanitary procedures  
6.1  Surveillance activities  
Surveillance systems based on trapping are similar in any type of ALPP. The surveillance used 
in an FF -ALPP may include those processes described in ISPM 6 ( Guidelines for surveillance ), 
on the trapping procedures described in Appendix 1 of ISPM 26 and any other relevant scientific 
information.  
Fruit sampling is  not widely used as a routine surveillance method for monitoring fruit flies in 
low prevalence areas except in areas where sterile insect technique (SIT) is applied, where it 
may be a major tool (see Appendix 2 of ISPM 26).  
The NPPO may complement trappin g for adults with fruit sampling for larvae. Fruit sampling 
may be especially useful for surveillance for fruit flies when no traps are available. If larvae are 
detected in fruit sampling, it may be necessary to rear the larvae to adults in order to identi fy 
them. This is the case particularly if multiple species of fruit flies may be present. However, 
fruit sampling alone will not provide sufficient accuracy for describing the size of the population 
and should not be solely relied on to validate or verify the FF -ALPP status. Surveillance 
procedures may include those fruit sampling procedures described in Appendix 2 of ISPM 26.  
The presence and distribution of fruit fly commercial and non -commercial hosts should be 
recorded separately. This information will  help in planning trapping and fruit sampling 
activities and may help in anticipating the potential ease or difficulty of establishing and 
maintaining the status of the relevant pest in the FF -ALPP.  
The NPPO should have, or have access to, appropriate ide ntification capabilities for 
identification of the target fruit fly species detected during the surveys (whether adult or larvae). 
This capability should also exist for the ongoing verification of FF -ALPP status for the target 
fruit fly species.  
6.2  Redu ction and maintenance of target fruit fly species population level  
Specific control measures may be applied to reduce fruit fly populations to or below the 
specified level of low pest prevalence. Suppression of fruit fly populations may involve the use 
of more than one control option; some of these are described in Annex 3 of ISPM 26.  
Because the target fruit fly species are either endemic or established in the area, preventive 
control measures to maintain fruit fly populations at or below the specified level of low pest 
prevalence are nearly always necessary (some FF -ALP Ps may occur naturally). Efforts should 
be made by NPPOs to select those measures with least environmental impact.  
Available methods include:  
- chemical control (e.g., selective insecticide bait, aerial and ground spraying, bait stations 
and male annihilat ion technique)  
- physical control (e.g., fruit bagging)  
- use of beneficial organisms (e.g., natural enemies, SIT)   
14 
 - cultural control (e.g., stripping and destruction of mature and fallen fruit, elimination or 
replacement of other host plants by non -host plan ts where appropriate, early harvesting, 
discouraging intercropping with fruit fly host plants, pruning before the fruiting period, 
use of perimeter trap hosts).  
6.3  Phytosanitary measures related to movement of host material or regulated articles  
Phytos anitary measures may be required to reduce the risk of entry of the specified pests into 
the FF -ALPP. These are outlined in Annex 3 of ISPM 26.  
6.4  Domestic declaration of an FF -ALPP  
The NPPO should verify the status of the FF -ALPP (in accordance with ISPM 8) specifically 
by confirming compliance with the procedures established in accordance with this annex 
(surveillance and controls). The NPPO should declare and notify the establishme nt of the FF -
ALPP, as appropriate.  
For the purposes of internal management, the continuing FF -ALPP status should be verified 
after it has been established and any phytosanitary measures for the maintenance of the FF -
ALPP have been put in place.   
7.  Main tenance of the FF -ALPP  
Once the FF -ALPP is established, the NPPO should maintain the relevant documentation and 
verification procedures (auditable), and continue the application of phytosanitary procedures as 
described in section 6 of this annex.  
7.1  Surveillance  
In order to maintain the FF -ALPP status, the NPPO should continue surveillance, as described 
in section 6.1 of this annex.  
7.2  Control measures to maintain low prevalence levels of target fruit fly species  
In most cases the control measures as identified in section 6.2 of this annex may be applied to 
maintain the FF -ALPP, because the target fruit flies are still present in the established area.  
If the monitored fruit fly prevalence level is observed to be increasing (but remains below the 
specified level for the area), a threshold set by the NPPO for the application of additional control 
measures may be reached. At this point the NPPO may require  implementation of such 
measures as described in Annex 3 of ISPM 26. This threshold should be set to provide adequate 
warning that the specified level of low pest prevalence will potentially be exceeded and 
therefore avert suspension.  
8.  Corrective Actio n Plans  
A corrective action plan for the FF -ALPP should be applied by the NPPO when the population 
level of the target fruit fly exceeds the specified level of low pest prevalence.  
8.1  Preparation of the corrective action plan  
Faults in the phytosanita ry procedures or their application (e.g., inadequate trapping or pest 
control measures, inadequate documentation) or the detection of a population level exceeding 
the specified level of low pest prevalence for the target fruit fly species in the FF -ALPP sh ould 
trigger the implementation of a corrective action plan. The objective of the corrective action 
plan is to ensure procedures and their applications are adequate and suppression of the fruit fly 
population to below the specified level for low pest preva lence is achieved as soon as possible. 
It is the responsibility of the NPPO to ensure that appropriate corrective action plans are  
15 
 developed. Corrective action plans should not be repeatedly implemented because this may lead 
to a revocation of FF -ALPP stat us and the need to re -establish the area in accordance with the 
guidance in this annex.  
The corrective action plan should be prepared taking into account the biology of the target fruit 
fly species, the geography of the FF -ALPP, climatic conditions, pheno logy, and host abundance 
and distribution within the area.  
The elements required for implementation of a corrective action plan include:  
- a declaration of suspension of FF -ALPP of status, where appropriate  
- a legal framework under which the corrective act ion plan can be applied  
- time frames for the initial response and follow -up activities  
- a delimiting survey (trapping and fruit sampling) and application of the suppression 
actions  
- identification capability  
- availability of sufficient operational resource s  
- effective communication within the NPPO and with the NPPO(s) of the relevant 
importing  
country(ies), including provision of contact details of all parties involved  
- a detailed map and definition of the suspension area  
- revision and rectification of operational procedures  
- a range of control measures (e.g., pesticides).  
 
8.2  Implementation of the corrective action plan  
8.2.1 Notice to implement corrective actions  
The NPPO notifies interested stakeholders and parties, including relevant importing countries, 
when initiating the implementation of a corrective action plan. The NPPO is responsible for 
supervising the implementation of corrective measures.  
Notification s hould include the reason for initiating the implementation of the plan, that is, 
faulty procedures found or the specified level of low pest prevalence exceeded.  
8.2.2 Determination of the pest status  
Immediately after detecting a population level higher than the specified level of low pest 
prevalence, a delimiting survey (which may include the deployment of additional traps, fruit 
sampling of host fruits and increased trap inspection frequency) should be carried out to 
determine the size of the affected area and more precisely gauge the level of the fruit fly 
prevalence.   
8.2.3 Suspension of FF -ALPP status  
If the specified level of low pest prevalence of the target fruit fly species is exceeded or fau lty 
procedures are found, the FF -ALPP status should be suspended as stated in section 9.1 of this 
annex.  
8.2.4 Rectification of procedural faults  
Faulty procedures and associated documentation should be immediately reviewed to identify 
the source of the fault(s). The source and corrective action taken should be documented and the 
modified procedures monitored to ensure compliance with the objectives of the FF -ALPP.   
16 
 8.2.5 Implementation of control measures in the affected area  
Specific suppression action s should immediately be implemented in the affected area(s). 
Available methods include:   
- selective insecticide bait treatments (aerial and/or ground spraying and bait stations)  
- SIT  
- male annihilation technique   
- collection and destruction of affected fru it  
- stripping and destruction of host fruits, if possible  
- insecticide treatments (ground, cover).  
 
8.2.6 Notification of relevant agencies  
Relevant NPPOs and other agencies should be kept informed of corrective actions. Information 
on pest reporting requirements under the IPPC is provided in ISPM 17 ( Pest reporting ).  
9.  Suspension, Reinstatement and Revocation of an FF -ALPP status  
9.1  Suspension  
If the specified level of low pest prevalence of the target fruit fly species is exceeded ei ther 
throughout the whole FF -ALPP or within a part of the FF -ALPP, the entire FF -ALPP is 
normally suspended. However, where the affected area within the FF -ALPP can be identified 
and clearly delimited, then the FF -ALPP may be redefined to suspend only that  area.   
Relevant importing NPPOs should be notified without undue delay of these actions (further 
information on pest reporting requirements is provided in ISPM 17).  
Suspension may also apply if faults in the application of the procedures are found (e.g. , 
inadequate trapping, pest control measures or documentation).  
If an FF -ALPP is suspended, an investigation by the NPPO should be initiated to determine the 
cause of the failure and introduce measures to prevent such failures from reoccurring.  
When an FF -ALPP is suspended, the criteria for reinstatement should be made clear.  
9.2  Reinstatement  
Reinstatement of FF -ALPP status applies only to suspended areas and may take place when one 
or both of these criteria have been met:  
- the population lev el no longer exceeds the specified level of low pest prevalence and this 
is maintained for a period determined by the biology of the target fruit fly species and the 
prevailing environmental conditions  
- faulty procedures have been corrected and verified.  
Once the specified level of low pest prevalence has been achieved and maintained and/or 
procedural faults have been rectified through the application of corrective actions contained in 
the plan, the FFALPP status can be reinstated. If the FF -ALPP is establ ished for export of host 
fruits, records regarding the reinstatement should be made available to the NPPO(s) of the 
relevant importing country(ies) on request and verification may take place if necessary.   
9.3  Revocation  
The FF -ALPP status should be rev oked after suspension if reinstatement has failed to take place 
within a justifiable time frame, taking into account the biology of the fruit fly target species.  
17 
 Relevant importing NPPOs should be notified without undue delay of the change in status of 
the FF-ALPP (further information on pest reporting requirements is provided in ISPM 17).  
In the event that FF -ALPP status is revoked, the procedures for establishment and maintenance 
outlined in this annex should be followed to achieve the FF -ALPP status aga in, and should take 
into account all background information related to the area.    
18 
 This appendix is for reference purposes only and is not a prescriptive part of the annex.  
APPENDIX 1 OF ANNEX 1: Typical applications of an FF -ALPP  
1.  FF-ALPP as Buffer Zones  
In cases where the biology of the target fruit fly species is such that it is likely to disperse from an 
infested area into a protected area, it may be necessary to define a buffer zone with a low fruit fly 
prevalence (as described in ISPM 26). Establishme nt of the FF -ALPP and FF -PFA should occur at 
the same time, enabling the FF -ALPP to be defined for the purpose of protecting the FF -PFA.  
1.1  Determination of an FF -ALPP as a buffer zone  
Determination procedures draw upon those listed in section 2 of Ann ex 1. In addition, in delimiting 
the buffer zone, detailed maps may be included showing the boundaries of the area to be protected, 
the distribution of hosts, host location, urban areas, entry points and control checkpoints. It is also 
relevant to include data related to natural biogeographical features such as incidence of other hosts, 
climate, and location of valleys, plains, deserts, rivers, lakes and sea, as well as other areas that 
function as natural barriers. The size of the buffer zone in relation t o the size of the area being 
protected will depend on the biology of the target fruit fly species (including behaviour, 
reproduction and dispersal capacity), the intrinsic characteristics of the protected area, and the 
economic and operational feasibility of establishing the FF -ALPP.  
1.2  Establishment of an FF -ALPP as a buffer zone   
The establishment procedures are described in section 5 of Annex 1. The movement of relevant 
fruit fly host commodities into the area may need to be regulated. Additional inf ormation can be 
found in ISPM 26.  
1.3  Maintenance of an FF -ALPP as a buffer zone  
Maintenance procedures include those listed in section 7 of Annex 1. Because the buffer zone has 
features similar to the area or place of production it protects, procedures for maintenance may 
include those listed for the FF -PFA as described in ISPM 26 and  ISPM 22. The importance of 
information dissemination may also be considered in the maintenance of an FF -ALPP as a buffer 
zone.  
2.  FF-ALPPs for Export Purposes  
FF-ALPPs may be used to facilitate fruit exports from the area. In most cases the FF -ALPP is the 
main component of a systems approach as a pest risk mitigation measure. Examples of measures 
and/or factors used in conjunction with FF -ALPPs include:  
- pre- and post -harvest treatments  
- production of secondary hosts or non -hosts in preference to primar y hosts  
- export of host material to areas not at risk during particular seasons  
- physical barriers (e.g., pre -harvest bagging, insect -proof structures).  
2.1  Determination of an FF -ALPP for export purposes  
Determining procedures may include those listed in section 2 of Annex 1. In addition, the following 
elements should be considered for the determination of an FF -ALPP:   
19 
 - products (hosts) of interest  
- other commercial and non -commercial hosts of the target fr uit fly species present but not 
intended for export and their level of occurrence, as appropriate  
- historical records in connection with biology, occurrence and control of the target fruit fly 
species or any other fruit fly species that may be present in t he FF -ALPP, and any other 
information, as appropriate.  
 
2.2  Maintenance of an FF -ALPP for export purposes  
Maintenance procedures may include those described in section 7.2 of Annex 1 and should be 
applied if hosts are available. If appropriate, surveill ance may continue at a lower frequency during 
the offseason period. The frequency will depend on the biology of the target fruit fly species and 
its relationship with hosts present during the off -season period.  
  
    
20 
 This annex is a prescriptive part of the standard.  
ANNEX 2: Parameters used to estimate the level of fruit fly prevalence  
Parameters used to determine the level of fruit fly prevalence in the FF -ALPP are defined by the 
NPPO. The most widely used paramete r is flies per trap per day (FTD). More precise spatial data 
may be presented on the basis of trap density (i.e., FTD per unit area) or temporally for each trap 
present in an area over time.  
FTD is an index used to estimate the population by averaging the  number of flies captured by one 
trap in one day. This parameter estimates the relative number of fruit fly adults in a given time and 
space. It provides baseline information to compare fruit fly populations among different places 
and/or time.  
The FTD ind ex is the result of dividing the total number of captured flies (F) by the product 
obtained from multiplying the total number of inspected traps (T) by the average number of days 
the traps were exposed in the field (D). The formula is as follows:  
   F  
 FTD =   
   T × D  
In cases where traps are regularly inspected on a weekly basis, or longer in the case of winter 
surveillance operations, the parameter may be “flies per trap per week” (FTW). FTW estimates the 
number of flies captured by one trap in one week. FTD can be ob tained from FTW by dividing by 
seven. Any significant changes in the status of any parameters critical to the efficacy of the FF -
ALPP should be reviewed and modified, as appropriate.  
Specified levels of low pest prevalence, as expressed in FTD values, sho uld be established in 
relation to the risk of infestation of the fruits that are intended to be protected by the FF -ALPP, and 
in relation to any specific related objectives of the FF -ALPP (e.g., fruit -fly free commodities for 
export). In situations where a  single FF -ALPP contains more than one host species (i.e., the ALPP 
is intended to protect more than one target fruit fly host), the specified level of low pest prevalence 
should be based on scientific information relating to each host of the fruit fly spe cies, and the risks 
of infestation and comparative preferences of the target fruit fly species for the different hosts. 
However, in situations where the FF -ALPP is established to protect only one type of host, 
consideration should be given to the level of infestation expected on that host. In such situations, 
lower specified levels of low pest prevalence are usually established for the primary hosts of the 
target fruit fly species and comparatively higher levels for secondary hosts.  
The biology of the targ et fruit flies (including number of generations per year, host range, host 
species present in the area, temperature thresholds, behaviour, reproduction and dispersion 
capacity) plays a major role in establishing appropriate specified levels of low pest pre valence. For 
an FF -ALPP with several hosts present, the established specified levels of low pest prevalence 
should reflect host diversity and abundance, host preference and host sequence for each target fruit 
fly species present. Although an FF -ALPP may ha ve different specified levels of low pest 
prevalence for each relevant fruit fly target species, those levels should remain fixed for the whole 
area and duration of the FF -ALPP operation.   
21 
 The efficiency of the types of traps and attractants used to estima te the levels of the pest population 
and the procedures applied for servicing the traps should be taken into consideration. The rationale 
is that different trap efficiencies could lead to different FTD results at the same location for a given 
population, s o they have a significant effect on measuring the prevalence level of the target fruit 
fly species. Thus, when specifying the level of low pest prevalence accepted in terms of an FTD 
value, the efficacy of the trapping system should be stated as well.  
Once a specified level of low pest prevalence has been established for a given situation using a 
specific lure or attractant, the lure or attractant used in the FF -ALPP must not be changed or 
modified until an appropriate specified level of low pest prevalenc e is determined for the new 
formulation. For FF -ALPPs with multiple target fruit fly species present that are attracted to 
different lures/attractants, trap placement should take into consideration possible interactive effects 
between them.  
Fruit sampling  can be used as a complementary surveillance method to trapping to assess the profile 
of the fruit fly population levels, particularly if traps are not available for target species. Fruit 
sampling should be done on known hosts. It should be taken into acco unt that efficacy of fruit 
sampling depends on sample size, frequency and timing. Fruit sampling may include rearing larvae 
to identify the fruit fly species. If fruit cutting is done, the efficacy of visually detecting larvae 
should be considered. However , fruit sampling will not provide sufficient accuracy for describing 
the size of the population and should not be solely relied on to validate or verify the FF -ALPP 
status.   
22 
   
 
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 environ ment.  
 
The National Standard 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 decis ion matters of the Bureau and oversee its financial management. 
The Council is also responsible for the general administrative affairs of the Dominica Bureau of 
Standards.