International Framework and the IPPC MODULE ONE IPPC Participation

What this Module Covers The BIG international picture - both trade and environment aspects How the different international standard setting bodies fit together How other international plant health bodies fit the framework IPPC and its operating bodies and where to participate

What is the World Trade Organisation? A system of trade rules A forum for governments to negotiate trade liberalizing agreements A place where member governments go, to try to sort out the trade problems they face with each other A place for them to settle trade disputes Overall aim is to ensure that trade flows as smoothly, predictably and as freely as possible

Is to provide principles under which to trade Aims to protect health in all member counties and to prevent trade barriers It encourages trade to take place unless there are valid health concerns to restrict or prevent trade Such restrictions should be based on harmonized international standards or be scientifically justified Main Purpose Of The SPS Agreement

Harmonization To harmonize sanitary and phytosanitary measures on as wide a basis as possible, Members shall base their sanitary or phytosanitary measures on international standards, guidelines or recommendations, where they exist, except as otherwise provided for in this Agreement, and in particular in paragraph 3. Annex 3.1 of the SPS Agreement

International Standard Setting Bodies Under the SPS World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) Joint FAO/WHO Codex Alimentarius Commission (Codex) International Plant Protection Commission (IPPC)

International Plant Health Regulatory Framework

IPPC

… to secure common and effective action to prevent the spread and introduction of pests of plants and plant products, and to promote appropriate measures for their control. (Article 1 of IPPC) Purpose of the IPPC

178 Contracting Parties 10 Regional Plant Protection Organisations Relevant Observers - International Organizations also are involved (SPS, CBD) and REC Membership

is the governing body of the IPPC reviews the state of plant protection around the world identifies action to control the spread of pests into new areas develops and adopts international standards establishes rules and procedures for resolving disputes adopts guidelines for the recognition of regional plant protection organizations; and cooperates with international organizations on matters covered by the Convention CPM (Commission on Phytosanitary Measures)

Subsidiary Bodies Bureau Standards Committee Subsidiary Body on Dispute settlement Other mechanisms Capacity Development Committee (CDC) Technical panels Expert Working Groups Informal working groups eg: Strategic Planning Group (SPG) Open-Ended Working Groups IPPC structures

The purpose of the Bureau is to provide guidance to the CPM on: Strategic direction Financial Management Operational management of its activities in cooperation with others as approved by CPM. Bureau

Its the CPM Standards development body 25 members from all 7 FAO regions It serves as a mechanism to manage the standard setting process: Identifying priorities Managing drafting Selecting members of the groups Approving and reviewing specifications and standards Standards Committee

Subsidiary Body on Dispute Settlement Benefits of the system Not as high level as the WTO process as it is done on a technical level. It offers a range of mechanisms to deal with specific disputes It's likely to be less costly and lengthy than other dispute settlement systems Allow for quicker resolution of disputes than other systems though it doesnt make binding decisions;

Capacity Development Committee Provides an oversight to developing national phytosanitary capacity of contracting parties Committee has 7 experts – 1 from each FAO Region Membership is through an open call – members selected for individual expertise.

Technical Panels The 5 panels develop technical standards and work under the direction of the SC on an ongoing basis A steward, who is usually a member of the SC, supports the deliberations of the Panel Members of Technical Panels are selected by the SC following a call for experts 5 year renewable term

Expert Working Groups (EWG) EWG members are nominated in response to a call for experts 6-10 participants Work on one specific standard (Unlike Technical Panels)

Informal Open to any NPPO to attend Are established on a specific topic Informal working groups & Open- Ended Working Groups

Funding FAO regular program funds Trust Fund for the IPPC established in 2003 Far more activities on the CPM-approved work program than the budget allows for. How to Assist –Donate funds directly to the Trust Fund –In-Kind donations –Associate Professional Officers

Regional plant protection and functions in the IPPC Regional Plant Protection Organization (RPPO) is an intergovernmental organization that coordinates on a regional level They are considered Observers at CPM meetings Technical Consultation among RPPOs There are 10……….

Asia and Pacific Plant Protection Commission (APPPC) Comunidad Andina (CAN) Comite de Sanidad Vegetal del Cono Sur (COSAVE) Caribbean Plant Protection Commission (CPPC) European and Mediterranean Plant Protection Organization (EPPO) Inter-African Phytosanitary Council (IAPSC) North American Plant Protection Organization (NAPPO) Organismo Internacional Regional de Sanidad Agropecuaria (OIRSA) Pacific Plant Protection Organization (PPPO). Near East Plant Protection Organization (NEPPO) RPPOs

Participate in the development of standards (such as providing comments in the consultation phase, identifying topics for standards, etc.) Identify regional standards that could form a basis for ISPMs Nominate experts for IPPC expert working groups and technical panels Act as collaborators/hosts for standard-setting meetings Prepare draft explanatory documents on IPPC documents as appropriate Provide technical and administrative support to IPPC representing members. Allow collaboration on all IPPC related issues Their role is to

Official contact points Official documents (ISPMs, reports, ICPM documents) Phytosanitary information from countries IRSS web page and helpdesk Links to RPPO sites International Phytosanitary Portal