The International Regulatory Framework

Abstract

The International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) is an international treaty that came into existence during 1952, superseding all previous international plant protection agreements. The IPPC is intended to secure common and effective action to prevent the introduction and spread of pests and diseases of plants and plant products and to promote measures for their control. In 2013, there were 179 contracting parties to the Convention. A Secretariat for the IPPC and a Committee of Experts on Phytosanitary Measures (CEPM) were established in 1993 to address the task of developing International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures (ISPMs). ISPMs provide a useful framework for National Plant Protection Organizations (NPPOs), particularly when pest management systems and regulatory decision-making have an important role in international trade. ISPMs in themselves are not regulatory instruments but come into force after countries establish phytosanitary measures within their national legislation. Countries may establish phytosanitary measures that provide a higher level of protection than ISPMs, as long as these national measures are science based and technically justified. Subject Matter Experts from member countries draft ISPMs, which have many levels of review and revision before their adoption. Thirty-six (36) International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures relating to all aspects of plant health have been adopted between 1995, when standard setting began, until 2013. Many more are in various stages of development.