SPOTLIGHT: What’s in a name? The Importance of the Glossary of Phytosanitary Terms

Rome, 24 October 2025. Language is more than a tool for communication; it is the pillar of plant health cooperation. For the global phytosanitary community, shared terminology is essential to keep trade safe, prevent the introduction of pests and diseases, and strengthen trust among trading partners. The International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) Glossary of Phytosanitary Terms, published as International Standard for Phytosanitary Measures ISPM 5, plays a central role in ensuring that countries, technical experts, and policymakers speak the same language when implementing IPPC and its ISPMs.

Origins of ISPM 5

The development of a harmonized phytosanitary vocabulary began under the Committee of Experts on Phytosanitary Measures (CEPM), which recommended the Glossary of Phytosanitary Terms for publication as an international standard in 1996, and it was subsequently published in 1997. The first version of the glossary as International Standard for Phytosanitary Measures No. 5 (ISPM 5) was formally adopted during the Second Session of the Interim Commission on Phytosanitary Measures (ICPM) in 1999. This milestone made the glossary the official reference for terminology used across all other ISPMs.

Following the revision of the IPPC in 1997 and the establishment of the Commission on Phytosanitary Measures (CPM) as the Convention’s governing body, responsibility for maintaining the glossary transitioned to the CPM and its subsidiary body, the Technical Panel for the Glossary (TPG). Since then, ISPM 5 has been regularly updated, ensuring that its terms remain scientifically sound and globally relevant.

Why does shared terminology matter?

The Glossary of Phytosanitary Terms is a reference standard containing internationally agreed terms and definitions that underpin the implementation of the entire suite of phytosanitary measures. It defines key concepts such as “pest free area,” “regulated article,” and “quarantine pest,” which carry legal, scientific, and operational weight. Without a shared understanding of these terms, even the most carefully designed phytosanitary measures risk being misinterpreted, potentially delaying shipments, sparking trade disputes, and undermining plant protection efforts.

Updating and harmonizing

At the heart of ISPM 5 is the Technical Panel for the Glossary (TPG), a team of international experts who meet regularly to review and update ISPM 5 through amendments, which are adopted by the Commission on Phytosanitary Measures (CPM), and ensure the consistent and correct use of terminology across all International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures (ISPMs).

“Clear and consistent terminology is the foundation of international cooperation in plant health,” said Avetik Nersisyan, Team Lead of the IPPC Standard Setting Unit “The Phytosanitary Glossary, as ISPM 5, ensures that all contracting parties interpret phytosanitary concepts in the same way. This shared understanding strengthens trust, supports harmonized implementation of standards, and ultimately protects global plant resources and trade.”

Looking ahead

As existing ISPMs are revised, international trade grows and new pests emerge, the need for a shared and precise phytosanitary vocabulary becomes even more critical. The TPG remains committed to keeping ISPM 5 up to date, including through the development of supplementary resources such as the Explanatory Document on ISPM 5 (also known as the Annotated Glossary), which provides clarity and consistency in the use and understanding of terms and definitions.

A shared common language builds trust, understanding, and collaboration, helping to prevent disputes and build stronger plant health systems. ISPM 5 is a key tool in protecting the world’s plants and the food security they sustain.

Did you know?

Pest: according to the IPPC definition, a “pest” is: Any species, strain or biotype of plant, animal or pathogenic agent injurious to plants or plant products. Note: In the IPPC, “plant pest” is sometimes used for the term “pest” [FAO, 1990; revised ISPM 2, 1995; IPPC, 1997; CPM, 2012]