WORLD TRADE  
ORGANIZATION   
G/SPS/GEN/1151 
27 March 2012 
 (12-1633) 
Committee on Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures Original:   English 
  
 
REPORT OF THE INTERNATIONAL PLANT PROTECTION  
CONVENTION SECRETARIAT (IPPC) 
 
Committee on Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures - 27-29 March 2012 
Agenda Item 3(b)(ii) - Information from Observer Organizations 
 
  The following communication, received on 26 Marc h 2012, is being circulated at the request 
of the IPPC secretariat. 
 
_______________ 
 
I. INTRODUCTION 
1. This report covers the period November 2011 – March 2012.  
2. The Seventh Session of Commission on Phytosanitary Measures (CPM-7) took take place on 
19 -23 March 2012 and the highlights of the outcomes ar e presented in the current IPPC reports.  The 
activities of Capacity Development and Implemen tation Review and Support System (IRSS) are 
presented in separate documents. 
3. The Committee is invited to note that as of March 2012, there are 177 contracting parties to 
the IPPC (the same as reported in October 2011). 
II. STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK AND ISSUE SPECIFIC STRATEGIES 
A. STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK  
4. The IPPC Strategic Framework 2012-2019 was adopted during CPM-7 
("https://www.ippc.int/index.php?id=1110798& frompage=13330&tx_publication_pi1[showUid]=218
3947&type=publication&L=0 "), and has four major strategic objectives, namely: 
(a) protect sustainable agriculture and enhance global food security through the 
prevention of pest spread; 
(b) protect the environment, forests and biodiversity from plant pests; 
(c) facilitate economic and trade developmen t through the promotion of harmonized 
scientifically based phytosanitary measures;  and 
(d) develop phytosanitary capacity for member s to accomplish (a), (b) and (c). 
5. These take into account the changing global context and encompass key IPPC initiatives / 
actions that are designed to support the world’s needs and demands for (i) a safe and secure food 
supply, (ii) a protected environment, (iii) su stainable trade and economic growth, and (iv) a 
coordinated capacity development programme. G/SPS/GEN/1151 
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  B. I
SSUE SPECIFIC STRATEGIES  
6. The Capacity Development Strategy was adopted during CPM-5 (March 2010), and the 
Resource Mobilization Strategy was adopted during  CPM-7 (March 2012).  CPM has identified the 
Communication Strategy as a high priority for 2012 as it is essential to complement the IPPC 
Resource Mobilization Strategy, as well as to increase awareness and the profile of the IPPC. 
III. STANDARD SETTING WORK PROGRAMME 
A. GENERAL DEVELOPMENT  
7. CPM-7 agreed to changes to the IPPC sta ndard setting process to improve efficiency, 
transparency and member participation.  The I PPC reviews its’ standard setting process every 4-5 
years and in 2011 both OIE and Codex participated in this IPPC process.  In response to the 
recommendations of the IPPC Focus Group, convened in  July 2011 to consider ways to improve the 
IPPC standard setting process, the CPM approved 25 of the 31 recommendations from the Focus 
Group and adopted a revised standard setting process.  These recommendations will be further studied by the IPPC secretariat and phased in over the next  year.  Some of the more significant changes are 
the extension of the time for the formal memb er consultation period as well as the commenting 
period;  the latter focuses on substantial concerns.  In addition, the authority to approve diagnostic 
protocols has been delegated to the Standards Comm ittee and contracting parties to the IPPC agreed 
that the CPM will no longer hold evening sessions to review comments on draft standards unless 
exceptional circumstances are presented. 
B. A
DOPTED ISPM S 
8. The CPM-7 (2012) adopted the following standards: 
 Integrated measures for plan ts for planting (2005-002); 
 Systems approach for pest risk management of fruit flies (Tephritidae) (2004-022); 
 Supplement 1 to ISPM 5.  Glossary of phytosan itary terms:  Guidelines on the interpretation 
and application of the concepts of "Official c ontrol" and "Not widely distributed" (2005-008); 
 Amendments to ISPM 5.  Glossary of phytosanitary terms (1991-001); 
 Russian language version of ISPM 5.  Glossary of phytosanitary terms;  
 Diagnostic protocol for Plum pox virus (2004-007); 
 Diagnostic protocol for Trogoderma granarium (2004-006). 
 
9. All currently approved International Standards fo r Phytosanitary Measures can be found here:  
"https://www.ippc.int/index.php?id=1110798&fro mpage=13399&tx_publicatio n_pi1[showUid]=2181
813&type=publication&L=0 ". 
10. In addition, the CPM adjusted the list of topics for IPPC standards by deleting ten topics for 
standards and modifying priorities, and requested  the Standards Committee to consider the newly 
adopted IPPC Strategic Framework and assign the re levant strategic objectives to each topic.  The 
CPM also agreed on a way to move forward on th e development of specific phytosanitary treatments 
that are proposed for inclusion in ISPM 15, wh ich deals with the treatment of wood packaging 
material. 
  G/SPS/GEN/1151 
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  11. Standards adopted at CPM-6 (2011) were revi ewed by Language Review Groups in French, 
Russian and Spanish to adjust the standards to take  into account language preferences.  These versions 
were noted by CPM-7 (2012) and will repl ace former versions of these standards. 
12. Translation of “should" in French in standards was not resolved and will be considered again 
at CPM-8 (2013). 
13. The main results of the Open-Ended Workshop on  the international movement of grain were 
considered by CPM and the specification on this to pic will be further developed and sent for member 
consultation.  Based on the feedback from members, the Standards Committee will develop 
recommendations to be considered further by CPM. 
C. COMMENTING PERIOD PRIOR TO CPM-7  (2012)  AND THE ONLINE COMMENT SYSTEM (OCS) 
14. The IPPC Online Comment System (OCS) was u sed to collect substantive comments on draft 
standards recommended to CPM-7 (2012).  This w as the first time the system presented draft 
standards in all FAO languages..  The IPPC secretar iat has had positive feedback on the OCS, and has 
now been approached by several other organizations that wish to use the OCS including Codex.  It is 
hoped that synergies will be de veloped and costs shared which will allow the system to be 
continuously improved.  
15. Many members and international organizations ha ve also expressed interest in cloning the 
IPPC OCS to be used for their own commenti ng purposes, and the IPPC secretariat has been 
investigating this. 
D. 2012  WORK PLAN 
16. The 2012 budget and work plan for standard setting is in place and includes, in addition to the 
meetings of the Standards Committee, a meeting of one expert working group (Sea Containers) and 
meetings of the Technical Panel on Diagnostic Protocols, Technical Panel on the Glossary and 
Technical Panel on Phytosanitary Treatments.  In ad dition, the IPPC secretariat continues to use web 
based technology to hold virtual meetings.   
IV.  INFORMATION EXCHANGE 
A. CONTACT POINTS  
17. IPPC contact points continue updating their information at least once a year.  This means that 
contracting parties communicating with other IPPC  contact points should visit the IPP frequently to 
ensure they have the latest contact information.  In  addition, the secretariat continues to work with a 
small number of countries that need to nominate their IPPC contact points officially. 
B. INTERNATIONAL PHYTOSANITARY PORTAL (IPP)    HTTPS ://WWW .IPPC.INT 
18. There continues to be a lot of information be ing made available by countries through the IPP 
and the IPPC secretariat.  Countries are encourag ed to periodically visit the site for updates. 
19. The IPP now provides Russian navigation and pa rtial navigation in Chinese - this is being 
continuously improved. 
20. Usage of the IPP continues to increase but it is a pparent that this can be improved in certain 
regions and in certain countries.  Internet access/reli ability has a role to play in certain countries, but 
access in many countries is improving. G/SPS/GEN/1151 
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  21. The information available through the IPP has substantially increased the amount of 
information available to support standard implementation, capacity development and the 
Implementation Review and Support System (IRSS).  This information is being increased continually 
and is available through: 
(i) IPPC implementation:  http://www.phytosanitary.info  
(ii) IRSS:  https://www.ippc.int/index.php?id=1111059&L=0#irssactivities  
(iii) IRSS Help Desk:  https://www.ippc.int/index. php?id=1111059& L=0#helpdesk  
(iv) IPPC Projects Database:  http://projects.phytosanitary.info  
C. PEST REPORTING  
22. National pest reporting continues to improve  but there is still potential for further 
improvement.  The 2011 reporting year saw a substan tial increase in the number of pest reports and 
2012 has started with a significant number of reports .  The secretariat is working on this information 
to allow users to access this information in a more constructive and analytical manner. 
D. COMMUNICATIONS STRATEGY  
23. The IPPC secretariat has developed a draft IPPC communications strategy that is now 
available for comment.  The 60th Anniversary of the IPPC in 2012 has provided an opportunity to increase the visibility and profile of the IPPC, pa rticularly in support of the IPPC Resources 
Mobilization Strategy.  The 60th Anniversary is celebrated through:  https://www.ippc.int/60years .  
Increasing amounts of electronic material is  available for use and download at:  
https://www.ippc.int/60years/media  
V. DISPUTE SETTLEMENT 
24. The phytosanitary trade dispute between South Africa and the European Union is on-going 
and further announcements will be  made as information becomes av ailable and when appropriate.  
The IPPC secretariat unfortunately had resources chal lenges in 2011 that have impacted this process, 
but this will now be addressed more pro-actively. 
25. The IPPC secretariat would like to note the su ccess of informal discussions through the IPPC 
secretariat and FAO in the past for dispute avoidance and dispute settlement.  A number of phytosanitary disputes have been avoided / resolved  in this way before becoming formal disputes.  
Such "dispute avoidance" mechanisms are encourag ed and the IPPC secretariat is available to 
continue facilitating this process. 
26. The IPPC is in the process of reviewing the I PPC Dispute Settlement system and the outcome 
should be available in 2013 for the Eighth Session of CPM. 
VI. RESOURCE MOBILIZATION 
27. The secretariat would like to thank all those cont racting parties that have contributed to the 
2011 budget of the IPPC.  The secretariat would also ask that they keep doing so by expressing their 
intention of further contributions in 2012.  Alt hough the IPPC work programme has been significantly 
reduced due to resource constraints, support from some member countries h as been encouraging and 
will help to ensure the core work programme will be  delivered.  A full list of in-kind support is made 
available to CPM each year – "https://www.ippc.int/index.ph p?id=1110798&frompage= 13330&tx_publication _pi1[showUid]=2183
770&type=publication&L=0 ".  G/SPS/GEN/1151 
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  28. The sustainability of the IPPC secretariat, a nd hence the work programme of the IPPC, is 
being addressed as a matter of urgency on an ongoing basis.  The current resource allocation (financial and human resources) is simply not sust ainable, although slight ly improved for 2012.  
Therefore, the Secretary is giving this his hi ghest priority and has begun discussions with the 
governing body and some partne rs to improve the situation in the foreseeable future.  
29. Under the IPPC Resource Mobilization Strate gy adopted in CPM-7, specific resource 
mobilization efforts will be made based on op erational work plans to be developed. 
30. It is essential the IPPC receive regular and pr edictable contributions to allow appropriate 
planning and delivery of the core IPPC work pr ogramme, i.e. to provide sustainability to the 
programme.  However, it should be also noted that FAO, the organization hosting the IPPC 
secretariat, has been continuously facing a severe financial challenge and is seeking cost reduction 
efforts in most areas;  the resources available to the IPPC activities may be affected as well. 
31. As the year 2012 is the 60th Anniversary of the IPPC, the IPPC secretariat has been 
organizing celebration activities but within the very li mited resources currently available.  This should 
be linked with awareness raising-effort s to increase resources available from donors. 
32. The secretariat would welcome any discussions with contracting parties or partner 
organizations that could provide solutions to the curr ent challenges, particularly in the medium to long 
term.  
VII. IMPORTANT MILESTONE FOR ELECTRONIC CERTIFICATION IN THE IPPC 
(EPHYTO) 
33. ePhyto is a high priority for CPM and the electronic version of ISPM 12:  2011 phytosanitary 
certificate is nearing completion.  This will be a major step forward for the IPPC and will greatly 
facilitate trade between some trading partners.  S hould additional resources become available, there is 
an ePhyto workshop planned for the second half of 2012 in Brazil. 
VIII.  COOPERATION WITH THE WTO STANDARD SETTING ORGANIZATIONS 
34. CPM-7 considered the “Recommendations on Joint Work by WTO-SPS Agreement 
Standards Setting Bodies”  as agreed in the WT O SPS Committee meeting in October 2011 and: 
(i) welcomed the recommendations of the WTO SPS Committee; 
(ii) considered these recommendations by th e SPS Committee in the context of the 
overall work programme, priorities and available resources; 
(iii) agreed these activities are already ongoi ng in the work programme as agreed by 
ICPM-7 (2005); 
(iv) requested the IPPC secretariat to provide  updates on its activities with Codex and OIE 
in the IPPC secretariat report to the SPS Committee and actively to exchange information with Codex and OIE on ma tters of mutual interests;  and 
(v) noted that any additional work arising from these activities that are added to the CPM 
work programme will need to be accompan ied by associated additional resources. 
 
35. The IPPC secretariat would like to note on-goi ng formal activities with the "three sisters" 
since the initial decision of ICPM-7 in 2005, and draw attention to the following current on-going 
activities with Codex and OIE: G/SPS/GEN/1151 
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  (i) Codex and OIE were invited to participate in  the review of the IPPC standard setting 
process in July 2011; 
(ii) Codex and OIE have expressed interest in  examining more closely the new on-line 
comment system (OCS) developed by the secretariat to obtain country comments on draft ISPMs; 
(iii) Codex, OIE and the IPPC now undertake in -depth consultations on Standard Trade 
and Development Facility (STDF) activities to understand each other’s positions and 
coordinate activities and responses; 
(iv) There is ongoing cooperation between the "three sisters" on SPS-related capacity 
development projects, if and when appropriate; 
(v) The secretariat has initiated coordination m eetings between the "three sisters" to 
improve coordination and collaborati on in SPS Committee meetings;  and 
(vi) Ad-hoc consultations are undertaken as and when subjects arise that are of mutual 
interest. 
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