e-Commerce

e-Commerce

e-Commerce has become an important new trade pathway, especially during the pandemic.

The growth in e-Commerce has resulted in an unprecedented number of parcels and small packages moving across borders via postal and courier pathways. This shift in trade patterns, along with the challenge of screening and preventing the entry of unauthorized goods, increases the risk of introduction and spread of pests into new territories.

e-Commerce in the IPPC Strategic Framework

The management of e-Commerce and the postal and courier pathways has been identified as one of eight development agenda items in the IPPC Strategic Framework 2020–2030.  

The IPPC Secretariat's work on e-Commerce, which is under the oversight of the Implementation and Capacity Development Committee (IC), includes the following key elements:

1. Strengthening collaboration and partnerships between the IPPC Secretariat and the WCO and other key international organizations.
2. Gathering existing information and technical resources relevant to the IPPC community on the subject of e-Commerce and making these contributed resources available on the IPPC website.
3. Developing a new IPPC Guide on e-Commerce (2017-039).
4. Establishing an informal network of e-Commerce experts to enhance collaboration among the participants, facilitate the exchange of information about e-Commerce initiatives that are already underway and identify opportunities for addressing the phytosanitary risks associated with cross-border e-Commerce.

Working in Partnership

World Customs Organization:

In March 2019, the Secretariats of the IPPC and the World Customs Organization (WCO) signed a joint work plan. This joint work plan addresses several major areas for bilateral cooperation, including cross-border e-commerce.

The WCO e-Commerce package provides guidance to national customs administrations on establishing or enhancing their legislative, policy and operational framework for managing cross-border e-commerce. Additional information on WCO's work on cross-border e-Commerce may be found here.

Universal Postal Union:

The Universal Postal Union (UPU) is the primary forum for cooperation between postal sector players and sets the rules for international mail exchanges. With the cooperation of its member countries, the UPU regularly updates its CDS country-specific lists of items that are either prohibited or restricted within the international mail flow. Additional information may be found here.

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