IPPC paves the way for "next generation" plant health standards

Rome, 30 May 2025. The International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) recently convened an internal NSP seminar on "The Next Generation of IPPC Standards: An overview of the IPPC and its commodity standards," bringing together over 60 participants to explore the evolving landscape of global plant health. The seminar, part of the FAO Plant Production and Protection Division (NSP) series, highlighted the IPPC's innovative approach to developing commodity-specific phytosanitary measures.

In his opening remarks, Chikelu Mba, Deputy Director of NSP, underlined the NSP's three main pillars and which plant health is one of them. Furthermore, he emphasized the critical role of plant health in achieving sustainable agricultural systems and food security.

Avetik Nersisyan, Lead of the IPPC Standard Setting Unit, provided an overview of the IPPC’s structure, governance, and technical work programme. He highlighted the development of commodity standards as a strategic advancement in the international phytosanitary framework.

Building on this, Adriana G. Moreira, Deputy Lead of the IPPC Standard Setting Unit, presented the rationale and principles underpinning the next generation of standards. She stressed that international standards are essential for establishing a level playing field, ensuring that phytosanitary measures are scientifically justified, technically feasible, and do not pose unjustified barriers to trade.

“Standards are not developed in a vacuum,” said Moreira. “They must be technically justified and economically sound, ensuring trade is facilitated while safeguarding plant resources.”

The “next generation” of IPPC commodity standards aims to harmonize phytosanitary measures across countries, improve resource efficiency and reduce regulatory burdens, minimize duplication and redundant requirements, promote the concept of equivalence for phytosanitary measures, and create new opportunities for safe trade. The seminar clarified that these standards are non-binding and serve as a technical reference to support national phytosanitary authorities. Importantly, they do not replace pest risk analysis (PRA) or impose new obligations. Instead, they provide scientifically justified options that countries may consider during PRA or as a basis for bilateral negotiations. These commodity standards are developed by the IPPC Technical Panel on Commodity Standards (TPCS) and under the oversight of the IPPC Standards Committee (SC).

Mango fruit © MPI New Zealand/ Joanne Wilson

Avetik Nersisyan noted a major milestone achieved at CPM-19 in 2025, the adoption of the first commodity-specific annex ISPM 46 (Commodity-specific standards for phytosanitary measures), covering the international movement of fresh mango (Mangifera indica) fruit. Adriana Moreira also noted that draft commodity standards for banana (Musa spp.) and fresh taro (Colocasia esculenta) have been approved for consultation, and future standards are under consideration for citrus fruits (Citrus spp.) and bean seeds (Phaseolus vulgaris).

This seminar reflects the IPPC secretariat's continued efforts to share information and knowledge based on the IPPC's objectives on enhancing global phytosanitary systems through innovative, practical, and inclusive approaches, contributing to more predictable and safe international trade in plants and plant products.

Do you want to know more about the IPPC commodity standards?

• IPPC Technical Panel on Commodity Standards (TPCS)
• ISPM 46 (Commodity-specific standards for phytosanitary measures)
• IPPC webinar 2022
• Supporting market access through commodity-specific plant health standards