The IPPC and its standard setting process Workshop on SPS coordination to national and regional levels. Geneva, Switzerland. IPPC Secretariat

The IPPC: What we are International framework for protection of plants from pests Convention with: a long history of joint work of the contracting parties the advantages to have reviewed its text after the SPS Agreement the problems of funds shortage Clear national responsibilities and sound basis of regional participation through its regional plant protection organizations. And also, 3 key activities: –Standard setting organization( recognized as one of the 3 ISSBs) –Facilitates exchange of information –Works towards building national phytosanitary capacity

Standard setting and its Work programme Standards to guide members on how to establish and apply their phytosanitary measures, in a way compatible with their rights, obligations and responsibilities. Developed and adopted by IPPC contracting parties 34 adopted ISPMs( )+14 treatments and 1 diagnostic protocol. To be implemented by Members 75 topics at various stages of development on the work program

Strengths and weakness of the IPPC SS Process Inclusiveness Consultative nature Transparency Open to the best scientific advise and to learn from other ISSBs Procedure focused to the needs Looking for constant improvements Supported by the interest and participation of the members Brutally democratic Limited by the availability of resources Not so speedy as it could be expected Susceptible to lobby

Concerns of the IPPC membership Get substantive advance in the SS work program selecting the best options to use limited resources. Obtain the right balance between speed and quality in the SS process. Ensure that the views of all contracting parties are taken into account. Ensure the continuation of the collaborative spirit of this Convention. Ensure that SS is followed by the implementation of the standards by contracting parties.

Changes under consideration Recommendations of the Paris Focus Group, 2011 –No text negotiation at CPM –More commenting periods before CPM –New simpler procedures for approval of diagnostic protocols and phytosanitary treatments. –Improved proposals for new ISPMs. –Improved efficiencies of the work of the Standard Committee in the SS process

Final message The system is robust, involves all contracting parties and stakeholders, is based on science and striving for continual improvement, the weakness are linked to the strengths and the key issue is to get adequate balance. The system is different from the ones implemented by the other ISSBs by the nature of the organizations, the availability of resources and the scope (2/3 of the agricultural trade and a substantive number of different commodities and pests)

IPPC Contact information IPPC Secretariat Viale delle Terme di Caracalla Rome, Italy Tel: Fax: