A Decision Support for Systems Approach (DSSA) tool was developed to allow users in importing or exporting countries to assemble and assess phytosanitary measures that contribute to pest risk reduction and the implementation of management plans. Specifically, the DSSA supports evaluation of the potential effectiveness of a Systems Approach, based on data, publications, experience, and expert opinion.

The DSSA is divided into three parts:

1. Part A where background information is entered, including characteristics that affect management choices

2. Part B where the list of potential measures, and their objectives, is documented and then shortlisted

3. Part C where each of the shortlisted measures is evaluated, most commonly by a group of experts or stakeholders, across 6 indicators implied by the guidance of ISPM 11.

The ratings for each criterion and uncertainties entered in Part C are automatically presented in a series of graphics to provide visual feedback and promote discussion before a final selection is made by the user.

The DSSA is designed to aid constructive discussion amongst stakeholders within, and between, exporting and importing countries. The DSSA results can be the basis for proposals for new trade, equivalence or to supplement existing trade protocols that are failing to maintain the desired level of protection. The ratings may confirm areas of agreement regarding potential efficacy and point to the part of the system where data collection might address uncertainties and unknowns.

This template uses macros that are language sensitive. Read here about regional settings before opening the DSSA template.

The Production Chain or Pathway Chain tool is a simple but powerful method for visualising and arranging integrated phytosanitary measures that contribute to pest risk management throughout all the stages of the phytosanitary export certification process (with the first stage showing Area or Farm status that is maintained throughout). This tool supports discussion of the objectives of measures, so that the key modes of action against pest risk and means to verify their effectiveness are considered – even if not all are employed. Critical components for implementing a Systems Approach are also indicated with the objectives related to monitoring, record keeping and traceability. An important advantage to a Systems Approach is the objective of verification of the system up to that point, so that corrective action can be taken some stages before the loss of funds and reputation that comes with interceptions or detections of the regulated pest or disease after import.

In most cases, a Production Chain would be built for each crop-pest combination, but a Pathway Chain might include multiple pests as long as the combination of measures shown address them all. NPPOs can use the tool to build either type of chain by working alone at the desk, in collaboration with researchers or with stakeholders, or for discussions with trade partners. The completed tool provides an overview of options that is immediately grasped, thereby enhancing communication, and supporting analysis of combinations of measures that reduce the probability of introductions of regulated pests while remaining in proportion to the risk. In that way Production or Pathway Chain complements the DSSA.