WORLD TRADE  
ORGANIZATION   
G/SPS/GEN/1171 
9 July 2012 
 (12-3656) 
Committee on Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures Original:   English 
  
 
REPORT OF THE INTERNATIONAL PLANT PROTECTION  
CONVENTION SECRETARIAT (IPPC) 
 
Committee on Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures – 10-11 July 2012 
Agenda Item 3(b)(ii) - Information fro m Relevant SPS Standard-Setting Bodies 
 
  The following communication, received on 6 July 2012, is being circulated at the request of 
the IPPC secretariat. 
 
_______________ 
 
 
I. INTRODUCTION 
1. This report covers the period April – June 2012.  
2. The Seventh Session of the Commission on Phyt osanitary Measures (CPM-7) took take place 
on 19 -23 March 2012 and the highlights of the outcome s are presented in the current IPPC reports.  
The activities of capacity development and of the Implementation Review and Support System (IRSS) 
are presented in separate documents. 
3. As of March 2012, there are 177 contracting par ties 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, as pr eviously reported, was adopted during the 
seventh session of the Commission on Phytosanitary Measures (CPM) (2012) ("https://www.ippc.int/index.php?id=1110798& frompage=13330&tx_publication_pi1[showUid]=218
3947&type=publication&L=0 ").  The four major strategic objectives, listed below, underscore the 
broad range of issues covered by the IPPC’s ac tivities and take into account the changing global 
context.  The four strategic objectives are: 
(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). G/SPS/GEN/1171 
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  5. The IPPC intends to use these strategic objectives as a key part of its effort to increase 
awareness and the profile of the IPPC. 
B. I
SSUE SPECIFIC STRATEGIES  
6. The Capacity Development Strategy was a dopted during CPM-5 (2010), and the Resource 
Mobilization Strategy was adopted during CPM-7 (2012).  CPM has identified the Communication Strategy as a high priority for 2012 as it is essentia l 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. A
DOPTED INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS FOR PHYTOSANITARY MEASURES (ISPM S) 
7. The ISPMs adopted at CPM-7 (2012), and the ISPMs adopted at CPM-6 (2011), reviewed by 
the Language Review Groups for French, Russian and Spanish and noted by CPM-7 (2012), have 
been posted on the IPP webpage unde r the Adopted Standards section: 
https://www.ippc.in t/index.php?i d=13399 . 
B. NEW IPPC  STANDARD SETTING PROCEDURE  
8. The decisions on improving the standard se tting process and the IPPC standard setting 
procedure adopted by the CPM-7 (2012) were pr esented to the Standards Committee (SC) at its 
meeting in April 2012.  The SC agreed that flexib ility was the key to implement the decisions.  The 
new consultation periods will be implemente d progressively (see below for 2012 consultation 
periods). 
C. MEMBER CONSULTATION ON DRAFT ISPM S 
9. The following draft ISPMs were approved for me mber consultation by the SC in April 2012 
(see April 2012 SC meeting report, sections 5 and 6:  https://www.ippc.in t/index.php?i d=13355 ): 
 The revised Appendix 1 on Electronic certification, inform ation on standard XML schemes 
and exchange mechanisms  (2006-003) to ISPM 12:2011 ( Phytosanitary certificates ); 
 Determination of host status of fruits and vegetables to fruit fly (Tephritidae) infes tation 
(2006-031); 
 Draft Annex on Establishment of fruit fly quarantine area s within a pest free area in the event 
of an outbreak  (2009-007) to ISPM 26:2006 ( Establishment of pest free areas for fruit flies 
(Tephritidae) ); 
 Draft Annex on Diagnostic Protocol for Tilletia indica  Mitra  (2004-014) to ISPM 27:2006 
(Diagnostic protocols for regulated pests);  
 Draft Annex on Diagnostic Protocol for Guignardia citricarpa  Kiely  (2004-023) to ISPM 
27:2006 ( Diagnostic protocols for regulated pests).  
10. The 2012 member consultation period lasts 110 da ys.  It began on 1 July 2012 and ends on 
20 October 2012.  Comments must be submitted thr ough the IPPC contact point in the IPPC Online 
Comment System (OCS:  http://ocs.ippc.int/index.html ).  The draft ISPMs can be downloaded from 
the IPPC OCS.  The secretariat, in consultation with the stewards, has prepared and posted 
background documents and power point presentations for these draft ISPMs 
(https://www.ippc.in t/index.php?id=207803 ).  G/SPS/GEN/1171 
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  11. The secretariat will also use the OCS during the 2012 regional workshops for the review of 
draft ISPMs for demonstration purposes and ease of sharing workshop comments.  The main 
objectives are to train workshop participants to help them use the system when they return to their 
country and to simplify the sharing process and submission of comments to the IPPC secretariat.  
D. APPROVED SPECIFICATION  
12. The SC approved Specification 55 for Safe handling and disposal of waste with potential pest 
risk generated during international voyages  (2008-004)  (see April 2012 SC meeting report, section 7: 
https://www.ippc.in t/index.php?i d=13355  and https://www.ippc.int/index.php?id=24119 ).  
E. MEMBER CONSULTATION ON DRAFT SPECIFICATIONS FOR ISPM S 
13. The following draft specifications were approved for member consultation by the SC in April 
2012 (see April 2012 SC meeting report, sections 8.4 and 8.5: 
https://www.ippc.in t/index.php?i d=13355 ): 
 International movement of  cut flowers and branches  (2008-005); 
 International movement of grain  (2008-007). 
14. This consultation period lasts 60 days.  It began on 1 June 2012 and ends on 31 July 2012.  
Comments must be submitted through the IPPC contact point in the IPPC OCS.  The draft 
specifications can be downloaded from the OCS.   
F. SUBSTANTIAL CONCERNS COMMENTING PERIOD  FOR DRAFT ISPM S: 
15. According to the new IPPC standard setting procedure adopted by the CPM-7 (2012), the 
Working Group or the Technical Pa nels (TPs) revise the draft ISPMs prior to the CPM meeting, 
taking into account the comments received duri ng member consultation.  Once the SC Working 
Group or TP recommends the draft ISPM to the SC , the secretariat makes it available to IPPC 
members for the substantial concerns comme nting period and notifies IPPC members. 
16. Thus, taking into account the comments that were received during the 2011 member 
consultation, the following draft ISPMs were revi ewed by the SC Working Group in April 2012 and 
recommended to the SC (see April 2012 SC-7 report: https://www.ippc.in t/index.php?i d=13355 ): 
 Draft Annex on  Pest risk analysis for plants as quarantine pests  (2005-001) to ISPM 
11:2004 ( Pest risk analysis for quarantine pests, in cluding analysis of environmental risks 
and living modified organisms)  
 Revised Annex 1 on Approved treatments associated with wood packaging material  (2006-
011) to ISPM 15:2009 ( Regulation of wood packaging material in international trade)  
17. The secretariat has posted the draft ISPMs in the IPPC OCS and opened the substantial 
concerns commenting period on 15 May 2012.  Th e 2102 substantial concerns commenting period 
lasts 135 days and will end on 30 September 2012.  A ll substantial concerns must be submitted by the 
IPPC contact point in the IPPC OCS.  All background documents are pos ted on the IPP website: 
https://www.ippc.in t/index.php?i d=1111115 . 
G. EXPERT WORKING GROUP (EWG)  ON SEA CONTAINERS  
18. A EWG meeting on Sea Containers was held in  Malaysia from 28 May to 1 June 2012.  The 
EWG developed a draft ISPM on Minimizing pest movement by sea containers and conveyances in G/SPS/GEN/1171 
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  international trade and provided input to the development of  a technical guidance to be used by 
industry.  Further work continues on the development of a communication plan and an implementation plan. 
H. W
ORK PLAN FOR THE SECOND SEMESTER OF 2012 
19. The work plan for standard setting for the second semester of 2012 includes, in addition to the 
November meeting of the Standards Committee, m eetings of the Technical Panels on Diagnostic 
Protocols, Technical Panel on the Glossary and Te chnical Panel on Phytosanitary Treatments.  In 
addition, the IPPC secretariat continues to use web-based technology to hold virtual meetings. 
IV. INFORMATION EXCHANGE 
A. CONTACT POINTS  
20. A significant number of IPPC contact points have updated their information in the last three 
months.  This means that contracting parties communicating with other IPPC contact points should 
visit the IPP frequently to ensure they have the lat est contact information.  In addition, the secretariat 
continues to work with a small number of countri es that need to nominate their IPPC contact points 
officially. 
B. INTERNATIONAL PHYTOSANITARY PORTAL (IPP)  HTTPS ://WWW .IPPC.INT 
21. There continues to be a lot of information ma de available by countries through the IPP and 
the IPPC secretariat.  Countries are encouraged to periodically visit the site for updates. 
22. The IPP now provides Russian navigation and pa rtial navigation in Chinese - this is being 
continuously improved. 
23. Usage of the IPP continues to increase but it is a pparent that this can be improved in certain 
regions and in certain countries.  Countries that ar e reporting certain IPPC obligatory information to 
the WTO are encouraged to provide this informa tion (minimal modification is necessary) through the 
IPP to ensure they meet their IPPC reporting obligations. 
24. The information available through the IPP has substantially increased the number of 
information resources available to support standa rd implementation, capacity development and the 
Implementation Review and Support System (IRSS).  This information is being increased continually 
and is available through: 
(i) Resources in Support of 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;  
(v) eLearning: http://elearning.phytosanitary.info.  
C. PEST REPORTING  
25. 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.  G/SPS/GEN/1171 
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  D. COMMUNICATIONS  
26. The IPPC secretariat has developed a draft IPPC communications strategy that is being 
submitted to the IPPC Strategic Planning Group ( SPG) for finalization.  Adoption by CPM-8 is 
anticipated in 2013. 
27. The 60th Anniversary of the IPPC is celebrated through:  https://www.ippc.int/60years  and a 
video on the IPPC is available at: " https://www.ippc.int/60years/2012/05/video-the-international-
plant-protection-convention-at-60/" . 
28. Increasing amounts of electronic material is available for use and download at:  
https://www.ippc.int/60years/media  
29. The following social media pag es for the IPPC are available: 
(a) Facebook: " http://www.facebook.com/pages/International-Plant-Protection-
Convention-IPPC/113230338690380?ref=tn_tnmn";  
(b) Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/ippcnews;  
(c) LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/groups ?gid=3175642&tr k=hb_side_g;  
(d) Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/groups/interna tional_plant_protection_convention/;  
(e) YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/IPPCnews.  
V. DISPUTE SETTLEMENT 
30. As noted previously, the phytosanitary trade di spute between South Africa and the European 
Union is continuing and further announcements will be made as information becomes available and 
when appropriate.  Despite  resource challenges wi thin the IPPC secretariat that have impacted this 
process, efforts are underway to address this issue. 
31. 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 the CPM. 
VI. RESOURCE MOBILIZATION 
32. The secretariat would like to thank all those  contracting parties and other donors who 
contributed to the 2011 budget and activities of the IPPC.  The IPPC encourages them to  consider 
future, sustainable contributions.  It will be greatly appreciated if donors are able to express their 
intention for further contributions in order to f acilitate planning for the coming year.  These donations 
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 ". 
33. 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 sustai nable, although slightly improved for 2012.  The 
Secretary is giving this his highest priority a nd has initiated discussions with the governing body as 
well as with traditional and non-traditional partners to  improve the situation in the foreseeable future.  
34. Under the IPPC Resource Mobilization Strategy adopted in CPM-7 (2012), specific resource 
mobilization efforts will be made based on op erational work plans to be developed. G/SPS/GEN/1171 
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  35. 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 noted that F AO, the organization hosting the IPPC secretariat, 
continuously faces a severe financial challenge and is seeking cost reduction efforts in most areas; the 
resources available to the IPPC activ ities will likely be affected as well. 
36. As the year 2012 is the 60th Anniversary of the IPPC, the IPPC secretariat has been 
organizing celebration activities but within the very  limited resources currently available.  These 
activities are linked with awareness raising effo rts to increase resources available from donors. 
37. The secretariat welcomes any discussions with me mbers or partner organizations that could 
provide solutions to the current challenges, particularly in the medium to long term.  
VII. IMPORTANT MILESTONE FOR ELECTRONIC CERTIFICATION IN THE IPPC 
(EPHYTO) 
38. ePhyto is a high priority for CPM and the revised Appendix 1 ( Electronic certification, 
information on standard XML sch emes and exchange mechanisms  (2006-003)) to ISPM 12:2011 is 
out for member consultation (See above, section III.C.).   The IPPC secretariat has created an ePhyto 
web page ( http://ephyto.ippc.int/ ) on the IPP containing information on codes and schema to be used 
in ePhytos. 
39. The potential development of a common global system for electronic certification (central 
"hub") was highlighted during the April 2012 SC and June 2012 Bureau meetings.  A feasibility study 
is being considered.  The IPPC believes this re presents a good opportunity for future collaboration 
with OIE and Codex. 
40. General information on ePhyto can be found on the IPPC Website at: 
http://www.ippc.int/in dex.php?i d=1111140  or obtained from the IPPC secretariat (ippc@fao.org). 
41. There is an ePhyto workshop planned for N ovember 2012 in Brazil.  Information will be 
made available through the IPP as it becomes available 
https://www.ippc.int/index. php?id=1111139& no_cache=1&L=0  
VIII.  COOPERATION WITH THE WTO STANDARD SETTING ORGANIZATIONS 
42. CPM-7 (2012) considered the "Recommendations on Joint Work by WTO-SPS Agreement 
Standards Setting Bodies"  as agreed in the WTO 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. 
  G/SPS/GEN/1171 
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  43. 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: 
(i) Codex and the IPPC are exploring ways of addressing their IT needs in a more 
sustainable manner and to share tools and skills when appropriate; 
(ii) Codex continues to work with the IPPC secretariat to develop the OCS for Codex 
purposes, taking into account Codex needs in gathering member country comments.  OIE is also examining the OCS more closely and may also consider using this system in the future. 
(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 collabora tion 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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