Lesson 3: Functions of the IPPC

Topic 4: Standard Setting

The IPPC Secretariat ensures that ISPMs are science based and that all member countries have an opportunity to participate in their development.

Objective:

  • Describe IPPC’s role in standard setting
Standard Setting

A major role of the IPPC Secretariat is to coordinate the development of standards, recommendations, diagnostic protocols, and phytosanitary treatments. The Commission on Phytosanitary Measures (CPM) is responsible for adopting standards. Let us take a closer look at the role of the IPPC Secretariat in standard setting.

The IPPC Secretariat ensures that:

  • ISPMs are of high quality and science based
  • Standards are developed according to the priorities agreed by the CPM
  • All contracting parties have a chance to be involved
  • Standard-setting procedures are flexible
  • Standard-setting procedures are periodically reviewed
  • Standard-setting procedures avoid unnecessary bureaucratic steps.

The function of the IPPC Secretariat in the development of standards is to ensure that the standards are of high quality and science based, are developed according to the priorities agreed by the CPM, and give all contracting parties a chance to be involved. Additionally, it is essential that standard-setting procedures are flexible, that standard-setting procedures are periodically reviewed, and that standard-setting procedures avoid unnecessary bureaucratic steps.

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