D-DNS 17: 202x  
 
  
 
DOMINICA NATIONAL STANDARD  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
GUIDELINES FOR THE EXPORT, SHIPMENT, IMPORT AND 
RELEASE OF BIOLOGICAL CONTROL AGENTS AND OTHER 
BENEFICIAL ORGANISMS  
 
D-DNS 1 7: 202x  
 
 
 
 
©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This document contains proprietary information, and should not be published, reproduced, copied, 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  
GUIDELINES FOR THE EXPORT, SHIPMENT, IMPORT AND RELEASE OF 
BIOLOGICAL CONTROL AGENTS AND OTHER BENEFICIAL ORGANISMS  
 
D-DNS 1 7: 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 Standar ds 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 Stan dards through consultations with relevant interest groups. In accordance 
with the provisions of the Standards Act, public comment is invited on all draft Standards before 
they are declared as Dominica National Standards (DNS).  
 
The Bureau is a corresponde nt member body of the International Organization for Standardization 
(ISO), an affiliate member of the International Electro -technical Commission (IEC), and a member 
of the Caribbean Regional Organization for Standards and Quality (CROSQ) and the Pan Ameri can 
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 (TBT) Agreement and is the Contact Point for Codex Alimentarius.  
 
In accordance with good practice for the adoption and application of Standards, Dominica National 
Standards are subject to periodic review every five years.  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
iii 
  
 
 
 
Amendments  
 
 
 
Amendment No.   
Date of Issue   
Text (s) Affected  
   
 
   
iv 
 DOMINICA NATIONAL STANDARD  
GUIDELINES FOR THE EXPORT, SHIPMENT, IMPORT AND RELEASE OF 
BIOLOGICAL CONTROL AGENTS AND OTHER BENEFICIAL ORGANISMS  
TECHNICAL COMMITTEE – Food Products, Processes and Services (FPPS)  
 
 
ORGANIZATION  REPRESENTIVE (S)  
(Alternate)  
Dominica Association of Industry and Commerce  Alleyna Robin  
Dominica Export Import Agency  Lloyd Pascal  
Sharon Rolle  
Dominica Manufacturers Association  Linvor Ambo  
Dominica State College  Sharon Allicock Joseph  
Valda Joseph  
IICA  Kent Coipel  
Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Fisheries  Anna Mary Seraphine  
Ministry of Trade, Energy, and Employment  Margaret Roudette  
Jackie Xavier  
TECHNICAL SECRETARY  
Mr. Kyle James  
Technical Officer, DBOS  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
1 
 TABLE OF CONTENTS   
 
0.0  FOREWORD  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ......... 2 
INTRODUCTION  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ......... 3 
Scope  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ .............................. 3 
References  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ...................... 3 
Definitions  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ...................... 3 
Outline of  Requirements  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ 3 
BACKGROUND  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ........... 5 
REQUIREMENTS  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ......... 6 
1. Designation of Responsible Authority and Description of General Responsibilities  ............................ 6 
1.1 Contracting parties  ................................ ................................ ................................ .................. 6 
1.2 General responsibilities  ................................ ................................ ................................ ........... 7 
2. Pest Risk Analysis  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ..7 
3. Responsib ilities of Contracting Parties prior to Import  ................................ ................................ .......... 8 
3.1 Responsibilities of the importing contracting party  ................................ ................................ 8 
3.2 Responsibilities of the NPPO of an exporting country  ................................ ......................... 10 
4. Documentary Responsibilities of Importer prior to Import  ................................ ................................ ..10 
4.1 Documentary requirements related to the target organism  ................................ ................... 10 
4.2 Documentary requirements related to the biological control agent or other  ......................... 11 
beneficial organism  ................................ ................................ ................................ .............................. 11 
4.3 Documentary requirements related to potential hazards and contingency plans  .................. 11 
4.4 Documentary requirements relat ed to research in quarantine  ................................ ............... 11 
5. Responsibilities of Exporter  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................. 12 
5.1 Specific responsibilities regarding organisms intended for inundative release  .................... 12 
6. Responsibilities of the NPPO or Other Responsible Authority of the Importing Contracting Party upon 
Import ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ........................... 12 
6.1 Inspection  ................................ ................................ ................................ .............................. 12 
6.2 Quarantine  ................................ ................................ ................................ ............................. 12 
6.3 Release  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ..13 
7. Responsibilities of  the NPPO or Other Responsible Authority before, upon and  ................................ 13 
following Release  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ .13 
7.1 Release  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ..13 
7.2 Documentation  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...................... 13 
7.3 Monitoring and evaluation  ................................ ................................ ................................ ....13 
7.4 Contingency plans  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................. 13 
7.5 Communication  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..................... 14 
7.6 Reporting  ................................ ................................ ................................ .............................. 14 
 
  
2 
  
0.0 FOREWORD  
 
0.1. This Dominica National Standard was adopted by the Bureau of Standards (the 
Bureau) of the Commonwealth of Dominica on  _____________  after the draft was 
finalized by Technical Committee for Food Products, Processes and Services (FPPS) 
and has been approved by the  Minister responsible for the Bureau.  
 
0.2. This Standard became effective as a Compulsor y Standard on the date notified by the 
Minister with responsibility for the Bureau of Standards in a Notice published in the 
Commonwealth of Dominica Official Gazette on ________________.  
 
0.3. This standard is an identical adoption of International Standards f or Phytosanitary 
Measures (ISPM) 3: 20 05 - Guidelines for the export, shipment, import and release of 
biological control agents and other beneficial organisms . 
 
0.4. Acknowledgement is given to International Plant Protection Convention  (IPPC ) for 
providing permission to adopt ISPM 3: 20 05.  
 
0.5. Although the editorial style and layout of the ISPM 3: 20 05 are not in conformity 
with that of Dominica's Standards, the identical adoption has been approved as 
suitable for publication as a Dominica National S tandard.  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
3 
  
 
INTRODUCTION  
Scope  
This standard1 provides guidelines for risk management related to the export, shipment, import and 
release of biological control agents and other beneficial organisms. It lists the related 
responsibilities of contracting parties to the IPPC, national plant protection or ganizations (NPPOs) 
or other responsible authorities, importers and exporters (as described in the standard). The 
standard addresses biological control agents capable of self -replication (including parasitoids, 
predators, parasites, nematodes, phytophagous  organisms, and pathogens such as fungi, bacteria 
and viruses), as well as sterile insects and other beneficial organisms (such as mycorrhizae and 
pollinators), and includes those packaged or formulated as commercial products. Provisions are 
also included for import for research in quarantine stations of non -indigenous biological control 
agents and other beneficial organisms.  
The scope of this standard does not include living modified organisms, issues related to registration 
of biopesticides, or microbial  agents intended for vertebrate pest control.  
References  
The present standard refers to International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures (ISPMs). ISPMs 
are available on the International Phytosanitary Portal (IPP) at 
https://www.ippc.int/core activities/standards -setting/ispms .  
CBD . 1992. Convention on Biological Diversity . Montreal, CBD.  
IPPC . 1997. International Plant Protection Convention . Rome, IPPC, FAO.  
Definitions  
Definitions of phytosanitary terms used in the present standard can be found in ISPM 5 ( Glossary 
of phytosanitary terms ).  
Outline of Requirements  
This standard is intended to facilitate the safe export, shipment, import and release of biological 
control agents and other beneficial organisms. Responsibilities relating to this are held by 
contracting parties, NPPOs or other responsible authorities, and by importers and exporters.  
Contracting parties, or their designated authorities, should consider and implement appropriate 
phytosanitary measures related to the export, shipment, import and re lease of biological control 
agents and other beneficial organisms and, when necessary, issue related import permits.  
As described in this standard, NPPOs or other responsible authorities should:  
 
1 Nothing in this standard shall affect the rights or obligations of contracting parties under other international 
agreements. Provisions of other international agreements may be applicable, for example the Convention on Biological 
Diversity (CBD).   
4 
 - carry out pest risk analysis of biological control agents a nd other beneficial organisms prior 
to import or prior to release  
- ensure, when certifying exports, that the phytosanitary import requirements of importing 
contracting parties are complied with  
- obtain, provide and assess documentation as appropriate, rele vant to the export, shipment, 
import or release of biological control agents and other beneficial organisms  
- ensure that biological control agents and other beneficial organisms are taken either directly 
to designated quarantine stations or mass -rearing fa cilities or, if appropriate, passed directly 
for release into the environment  
- encourage monitoring of release of biological control agents or beneficial organisms in order 
to assess impact on target and non-target  organisms.  
Responsibilities of, and reco mmendations for, exporters include ensuring that consignments of 
biological control agents and other beneficial organisms comply with phytosanitary import 
requirements of importing countries and relevant international agreements, packaging 
consignments sec urely, and providing appropriate documentation relating to biological control 
agents or other beneficial organisms.  
Responsibilities of, and recommendations for, importers include providing appropriate 
documentation relating to the target pest(s) and biol ogical control agent or other beneficial 
organisms to the NPPO or other responsible authority of the importing country.  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
5 
 BACKGROUND  
The International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) is based on securing common and effective 
action to prevent the spread and introduction of pests of plants and plant products, and the 
promotion of appropriate measures for their control (Article I of th e IPPC). In this context, the 
provisions of the IPPC extend to any organism capable of harbouring or spreading plant pests, 
particularly where international transportation is involved (Article I of the IPPC).  
The IPPC contains the following provision in r elation to the regulation of biological control agents 
and other beneficial organisms. Article VII.1 states:  
With the aim of preventing the introduction and/or spread of regulated pests into 
their territories, contracting parties shall have sovereign auth ority to regulate, in 
accordance with applicable international agreements, the entry of plants and plant 
products and other regulated articles and, to this end, may: ...   
(c) prohibit or restrict the movement of regulated pests into their territories;  
(d) prohib it or restrict the movement of biological control agents and other 
organisms of phytosanitary concern claimed to be beneficial into their 
territories.  
Section 4.1 of ISPM 20 ( Guidelines for a phytosanitary import regulatory system ) contains a 
reference to  the regulation of biological control agents; it states:  
Imported commodities that may be regulated include articles that may be infested 
or contaminated with regulated pests. ... The following are examples of regulated 
articles: ...   
-  pests and biologic al control agents.  
 
This revision of ISPM 3 provides guidelines related to phytosanitary measures, as well as 
recommended guidelines for safe usage of biological control agents and other beneficial organisms. 
In some cases, the scope of these guidelines may be deemed to exten d beyond the scope and 
provisions of the IPPC as described above. For example, although the primary context of this 
standard relates to phytosanitary concerns, “safe” usage as mentioned in the standard is intended 
to be interpreted in a broader sense, i.e., minimizing other non -phytosanitary negative effects. 
Phytosanitary concerns may include the possibility that newly introduced biological control agents 
may primarily affect other non -target organisms, but thereby result in harmful effects on plant 
specie s, or plant health in habitats or ecosystems. However, it is not intended that any aspects of 
this standard alter in any way the scope or obligations of the IPPC or its ISPMs.  
The structure of this revised standard broadly follows the same structure as th e original ISPM 3 
(Code of conduct for the import and release of exotic biological control agents ), and its content is 
based primarily on risk management relating to the use of biological control agents and other 
beneficial organisms. It is recognized that  the existing standards on pest risk analysis (ISPM 2 
(Framework for pest risk analysis ) and ISPM 11 ( Pest risk analysis for quarantine pests )) provide 
the appropriate fundamental processes for carrying out pest risk assessments for biological control 
agen ts and other beneficial organisms. In particular, ISPM 11 includes provisions for pest risk 
assessment in relation to environmental risks, and this aspect covers environmental concerns 
related to the use of biological control agents.    
6 
 The IPPC takes into account internationally approved principles governing the protection of the 
environment (Preamble). Its purpose includes promoting appropriate phytosanitary measures 
(Article I.1). When carrying out pest risk analysis in accordance with this and other appr opriate 
ISPMs, and in developing and applying related phytosanitary measures, contracting parties should 
also consider the potential for broader environmental impacts resulting from releasing biological 
control agents and other beneficial organisms2 (for example, impacts on non -target invertebrates).  
Most of this standard is based on the premise that a biological control agent or other beneficial 
organism may be a potential pest itself, and in this sense Article VII.1(c) of the IPPC applies 
because contra cting parties may prohibit or restrict the movement of regulated pests into their 
territories. In some situations, biological control agents and other beneficial organisms may act as 
a carrier or pathway for plant pests, hyperparasitoids, hyperparasites an d entomopathogens. In this 
sense, biological control agents and other beneficial organisms may be considered to be regulated 
articles as described in Article VII.1 of the IPPC and ISPM 20.  
Purpose of the standard  
The objectives of the standard are to:  
- facilitate the safe export, shipment, import and release of biological control agents and other 
beneficial organisms by providing guidelines for all public and private bodies involved,  
particularly through the devel opment of national legislation where it does not exist  
- describe the need for cooperation between importing and exporting countries so that:  
• benefits to be derived from using biological control agents or other beneficial 
organisms are achieved with minima l adverse effects  
• practices which ensure efficient and safe use while minimizing environmental risks 
due to improper handling or use are promoted.  
Guidelines in support of these objectives are described that:  
- encourage responsible trade practices  
- assist countries to design regulations to address the safe handling, assessment and use of 
biological control agents and other beneficial organisms  
- provide risk management recommendations for the safe export, shipment, import and release 
of biological con trol agents and other beneficial organisms  
- promote the safe use of biological control agents and other beneficial organisms.  
REQUIREMENTS  
1. Designation of Responsible Authority and Description of General Responsibilities  
1.1 Contracting parties  
Contracting parties should designate an authority with appropriate competencies (usually their 
NPPO) to be responsible for export certification and to regulate the import or release of biological 
 
2 Avail able expertise, instruments and work in international fora with competence in the area of risks to the 
environment should be taken into account as appropriate.   
7 
 control agents and other beneficial organisms, subject to relevant phyto sanitary measures and 
procedures.   
Contracting parties should have provisions for implementing appropriate phytosanitary measures 
for the export, shipment, import or release of biological control agents and other beneficial 
organisms.  
1.2 General responsibil ities  
The NPPO or other responsible authority should establish procedures for the implementation of 
this standard, including for the assessment of relevant documentation specified in section 4.  
The NPPO or other responsible authority should:   
- carry out pest risk analysis prior to import or release of biological control agents and other 
beneficial organisms  
- ensure, when certifying exports, that the regulations of importing countries are complied with  
- provide and assess documentation as appropriate, rele vant to the export, shipment, import or 
release of biological control agents and other beneficial organisms  
- ensure that biological control agents and other beneficial organisms are taken either directly 
to designated quarantine stations or, if appropriate , passed to mass rearing facilities or 
directly for release into the environment  
- ensure that importers and, where appropriate, exporters meet their responsibilities  
- consider possible impacts on the environment, such as impacts on non -target invertebrates.  
The NPPO or other responsible authority should maintain communication and, where appropriate, 
coordinate with relevant parties including other NPPOs or relevant aut horities on:  
- characteristics of biological control agent and other beneficial organisms  
- assessment of risks including environmental risks  
- labelling, packaging and storage during shipment  
- dispatch and handling procedures  
- distribution and trade  
- release   
- evaluation of performance  
- information exchange  
- occurrence of unexpected and/or harmful incidents, including remedial action taken.  
2. Pest Risk Analysis  
The NPPO of the importing country should determine whether an organism is required to be 
subjected t o pest risk analysis (PRA). The NPPO or other responsible authority may also be 
responsible for ensuring that other national legislative requirements are met; however, these may 
not be IPPC obligations.  
Pest risk assessment should be conducted in accordan ce with ISPM 2 and/or Stage 2 of ISPM 11 
as appropriate, taking into account uncertainties, and potential environmental consequences, as  
8 
 provided for in those standards. In addition to conducting pest risk assessment, contracting parties 
should also consid er possible impacts on the environment, such as impacts on non -target 
invertebrates.  
Most contracting parties require PRA to be completed prior to import and technical justification, 
as described in ISPM 20, such as through PRA, is required to determine i f pests should be regulated 
and the strength of phytosanitary measures to be taken against them. Where applicable, if pest risk 
assessment of the proposed organism has not been undertaken or completed prior to import, it 
should be completed prior to releas e (see section 7). However, it is recognized that biological 
control agents and other beneficial organisms may need to be imported for research and evaluation 
in secure facilities prior to release. ISPM 20 also states that contracting parties may make spec ial 
provision for the import of biological control agents and other beneficial organisms for scientific 
research, and that such imports may be authorized subject to the provision of adequate safeguards. 
The NPPO should be prepared for such imports with the  expectation that, where necessary, a full 
PRA in accordance with ISPM 11 will be completed prior to release. When non -phytosanitary risks 
are identified, these may need to be referred to other appropriate authorities for possible action.  
It may be important that further scientific investigations are carried out in the exporting country 
prior to importing the biological control agents or other beneficial organisms in order to verify the 
accuracy and reliability of the risk assessment. Among  other options, and where appropriate, 
NPPOs or other responsible authorities may consider possibilities for such scientific investigations, 
in cooperation with the authorities of the exporting country and in accordance with relevant 
procedures and regulat ions.  
3. Responsibilities of Contracting Parties prior to Import  
3.1 Responsibilities of the importing contracting party  
The importing contracting party or its NPPO or other responsible authority should:  
3.1.1 Promote awareness of, and compliance with this standard and introduce necessary 
phytosanitary measures to regulate the import, shipment or release of biological control 
agents and other beneficial organisms in its country, and make provision for effe ctive 
enforcement.  
3.1.2 Evaluate the documentation on the target pest and on the biological control agent and 
beneficial organisms supplied by the importer (see section 4) in relation to the acceptable 
level of risk. The contracting party should establis h appropriate phytosanitary measures for 
import, shipment, quarantine stations (including approval of research facilities, and 
phytosanitary measures for confinement and disposal) or release of biological control agents 
appropriate to the assessed risk. If  the biological control agent or other beneficial organism 
is already present in the country, regulation may only be needed to ensure there is no 
contamination or infestation of this organism, or that interbreeding with local genotypes of 
the same species does not result in new phytosanitary risks. Inundative release may be 
restricted for these reasons.   
9 
 3.1.3 Issue regulations stating requirements to be fulfilled by the exporting country, the exporter 
and the importer3. Where appropriate, these may includ e:  
- the issuing of an accompanying authorizing document (import permit or licence)  
- phytosanitary certification, in accordance with ISPM 12 ( Phytosanitary certificate s)  
- a specific certification document  
- authoritative identification of organisms during qu arantine and provision of a reference 
specimen  
- specification of the source of the biological control agent or other beneficial 
organism(s), including origin and/or point of production where relevant  
- precautions to be taken against inclusion of natural en emies of the biological control 
agent or other beneficial organism and of contamination or infestation  
- requirements regarding packaging for shipment during transport and storage  
- procedures for the disposal of packaging  
- means to validate documentation  
- means to validate the contents of consignments  
- conditions under which the package may be opened  
- designation of point(s) of entry  
- identification of the person or organization to receive the consignment  
- requirements for the facilities in which the biologi cal control agent or other beneficial 
organisms may be held.  
3.1.4 Ensure that procedures are in place for the documentation of:  
- pest risk analysis  
- the import (identity, origins, dates)  
- nurturing, rearing or multiplication  
- release (quantities released, dates, locations)  
- any other relevant data.   
Such records may be made available to the scientific community and the public, as may be 
appropriate, while protecting any proprietary rights to the data.   
3.1.5 If appropriate, e nsure entry of consignments, and processing where required, through 
quarantine stations. Where a country does not have secure quarantine stations, import through 
a quarantine station in a third country, recognized by the importing contracting party, may be  
considered.  
3.1.6 Consider, through pest risk analysis, the risk of introducing other organisms associated with 
the biological control agent or beneficial organism. Considerations (keeping in mind the 
principles of necessity and minimal impact) should in clude phytosanitary measures requiring 
the culturing  
 
3 Provisions of other international agreements may address the import of biological control age nts or other beneficial 
organisms (for example the Convention on Biological Diversity).   
10 
 of imported biological control agents and other beneficial organisms in quarantine before 
release. Culturing for at least one generation can help in ensuring purity of the culture and 
freedom from hyper parasites and pathogens or associated pests, as well as facilitating 
authoritative identification. This is particularly advisable when biological control agents and 
other beneficial organisms are collected from the wild.  
3.1.7 Where possible, ensure the d eposition in collections of authoritatively identified reference 
specimens of the imported biological control agent or other beneficial organism (and host(s) 
where appropriate). It is preferable to deposit a series of specimens, where available, to 
accommo date natural variation.  
3.1.8 In the case of sterile insect technique (SIT), the sterile insect may be marked to differentiate 
it from the wild insect.  
3.1.9 Consider, through pest risk analysis (consistent with the principles of necessity and minimal 
impact), if, after a first import or release, further imports of the same biological control agent 
or other beneficial organism may be exempted from some or all of the requirements for 
import. The publication of lists of approved and prohibited bio logical control agents and other 
beneficial organisms may also be considered. If appropriate, biological control agents that 
are prohibited should be included in lists of regulated pests (established and updated by 
contracting parties in accordance with th e IPPC and ISPM 19 ( Guidelines on lists of regulated 
pests ).  
3.2 Responsibilities of the NPPO of an exporting country  
The NPPO of an exporting country should ensure that the phytosanitary import requirements of the 
importing country are satisfied and that ph ytosanitary certificates are issued in accordance with 
ISPM 12 where required by the importing country for consignments of biological control agents or 
other beneficial organisms, if these are considered as potential pests or pathways for plant pests.  
The NPPO is also encouraged to follow the appropriate elements of this standard where the 
importing country has no legislation concerning the import of biological control agents and other 
beneficial organisms.  
4. Documentary Responsibilities of Importer prio r to Import  
4.1 Documentary requirements related to the target organism   
Prior to the first importation, the importer of biological control agents or other beneficial organisms 
should provide information as required by the NPPO or other responsible authority  of the importing 
contracting party. For all biological control agents or other beneficial organisms, this information 
includes accurate identification of the target organism(s), generally at the species level. Where a 
biological control agent intended to control a pest is being imported, the information on the target 
pest may also include:  
- its world distribution and probable origin   
- its known biology and ecology  
- available information on its economic importance and environmental impact  
- possible benefits  and any conflicting interests surrounding its use   
11 
 - known natural enemies, antagonists and other biological control agents or competitors of the 
target pest already present or used in the proposed release area or in other parts of the world.  
For all biolo gical control agents or other beneficial organisms, other information relevant to a PRA 
may also be requested by the NPPO or other responsible authority of the importing contracting 
party.  
4.2 Documentary requirements related to the biological control agent o r other  
beneficial organism  
Prior to first import, the importer of biological control agents or other beneficial organisms should 
coordinate with the exporter to provide documentation, accompanied by appropriate scientific 
references, to the NPPO or othe r responsible authority of the importing contracting party with 
information on the biological control agent or beneficial organism including:  
- sufficient characterization of the biological control agent or other beneficial organism to 
allow for its accurat e identification, in general to the species level at minimum  
- a summary of all available information on its origin, world distribution, biology, natural 
enemies, hyperparasites, and impact in its area of distribution  
- available information on host specific ity (in particular, a list of confirmed hosts) of the 
biological control agent or beneficial organism and any potential hazards posed to non -target 
hosts  
- description of natural enemies and contaminants of the agent and procedures required for 
their elimin ation from laboratory colonies. This includes, where appropriate, procedures to 
identify accurately and, if necessary, eliminate from the culture the host upon which the 
biological control agent or beneficial organism was cultured. Information on any 
phyto sanitary measures taken prior to shipment should also be provided.  
4.3 Documentary requirements related to potential hazards and contingency plans  
Prior to first importation, the importer of biological control agents or other beneficial organisms is 
encourag ed to provide documentation to the NPPO or other responsible authority that:  
- identifies potential health hazards and analyzes the risks4 posed to staff operatives exposed 
when handling biological control agents or other beneficial organisms under laboratory, 
production and application conditions.  
- details contingency plans or procedures already in existence, should the biological control 
agent or beneficial organism display unexpected adverse properties.  
4.4 Documentary requirements related to research in quarantine  
An importer of biological control agents or other beneficial organisms proposed for research in 
quarantine should provide as muc h information as possible as described in points 4.1 –4.3. 
However, it is recognized that field collected organisms imported by researchers in initial 
shipments of potential biological control agents may not be described with regard to their exact 
taxonomic  identity, host range, impact on non -target organisms, distribution, biology, impact in an 
 
4 Available expertise, instruments and work in international fora with competence in the area of risks to human health 
should be taken into account as appropriate.   
12 
 area of distribution etc. This information will be determined after candidate biological control 
agents are studied in quarantine.   
The researcher, in conjunction w ith the quarantine station to be used, should also provide the 
following information:   
- the nature of the material proposed for importation  
- the type of the research to be carried out  
- detailed description of the quarantine station (including security and the competency and  
qualifications of the staff)  
- an emergency plan that will be implemented in the case of an escape from the quarantine 
station.  
This information may be required by the NPPO or other responsible authority prior to approval of 
the researc h to be conducted. The NPPO or other responsible authority may verify the accuracy of 
the documentation provided and examine the facilities, and may require modifications as necessary.  
5. Responsibilities of Exporter  
The exporter of biological control agent s or other beneficial organisms is encouraged to ensure 
that:  
- all phytosanitary import requirements specified in the regulations of the importing country 
or on an import permit are complied with (see also section 3.2, which describes the related 
responsibilities of the NPPO)  
- all appropriate documentation accompanies  the consignment  
- packaging is secure in order to prevent escape of the contents  
- organisms for SIT have been treated to achieve the required sterility for SIT purposes ( e.g., 
using irradiation with the required minimum absorbed dose). The treatment(s) used and an 
indication of the effectiveness of sterilization should also be provided.  
5.1 Specific responsibilities regarding organisms intended for inundative release   
Exporters o f biological control agents or other beneficial organisms for inundative release should 
provide documentation on measures undertaken to ensure that levels of contamination acceptable 
to the importing NPPO or other responsible authority are not exceeded.  
6. Responsibilities of the NPPO or Other Responsible Authority of the Importing 
Contracting Party upon Import  
6.1 Inspection  
Where required (see section 3.1.5) after checking the documentation, inspection should take place 
at an officially nominated quarantine s tation.  
6.2 Quarantine  
The NPPO should ensure that biological control agents or other beneficial organisms are cultured 
or reared in quarantine, if appropriate (see section 3.1.6), for as long as considered necessary.   
13 
 6.3 Release  
The NPPO or other responsible authority may allow biological control agents or other beneficial 
organisms to be passed directly for release, provided that all conditions have been complied with 
(particularly as described in section 3) and required documentary evidence is made available  (see 
section 4).  
7. Responsibilities of the NPPO or Other Responsible Authority before, upon and  
following Release  
Prior to release, NPPOs or other responsible authorities are encouraged to communicate details of 
the intended release that may affect neigh bouring countries. To facilitate information sharing in 
this manner, details of intended releases may also be communicated to relevant RPPOs prior to 
release.  
If pest risk analysis was not undertaken prior to import in accordance with ISPM 2 and/or ISPM 
11, it should be undertaken prior to release, taking into account uncertainties, as provided for in 
those standards. In addition to conducting pest risk assessment, contracting parties should also 
consider possible impacts on the environment, such as impact s on non -target invertebrates.  
The NPPO or other responsible authority may verify the effectiveness of sterilization treatment(s) 
prior to release of sterile insects.  
7.1 Release  
The NPPO or other responsible authority should authorize and audit official re quirements related 
to the release of biological control agents or other beneficial organisms, e.g., requirements related 
to release only in specific areas. This audit may be used to alter the requirements related to import 
or release of the organism.  
7.2 Documentation  
Documentation sufficient to allow trace -back of released biological control agents or other 
beneficial organisms should be maintained by the NPPO or other responsible authority.  
7.3 Monitoring and evaluation  
The NPPO or other responsible autho rity may monitor the release of biological control agents or 
other beneficial organisms in order to evaluate and, as necessary, respond to the impact on the 
target and nontarget organisms. Where appropriate, it should include a marking system to facilitate  
recognition of the biological control agent ( e.g., sterile insects) or other beneficial organism in 
comparison with the organism in its natural state and environment.   
7.4 Contingency plans  
The NPPO or other responsible authority of the importing contractin g party is responsible for 
developing or adopting contingency plans or procedures, as appropriate, for use within the 
importing country.   
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 Where problems are identified ( i.e., unexpected harmful incidents), the NPPO or other responsible 
authority should con sider possible emergency actions and, where appropriate, ensure that they are 
implemented and that all relevant parties are informed.  
7.5 Communication  
It is recommended that the NPPO or other responsible authority ensures that local users and 
suppliers of b iological control agents or other beneficial organisms, and farmers, farmer 
organizations and other stakeholders, are kept sufficiently informed and educated on the 
appropriate measures for their use.  
7.6 Reporting  
The contracting party should abide by any r eporting obligations under the IPPC, e.g., where an 
organism used as a biological control agent or beneficial organism has shown pest characteristics.  
   
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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 pra ctices for ensuring industrial efficiency and development;  
c. Public and industrial welfare, health and safety;  
d. Safeguarding the environment.  
 
The National Standard Council  
 
The National Standard Council (NSC), a fourteen (14) member Council representing var ious 
interest groups, is appointed by the Minister responsible for the Dominica Bureau of Standards 
yearly, to guide the policy decision matters of the Bureau and oversee its financial management. 
The Council is also responsible for the general administrat ive affairs of the Dominica Bureau of 
Standards.