Lesson 4: IPPC Bodies Involved in the Standard Setting Process

Topic 2: IPPC Secretariat and its Standard Setting Group

The IPPC Secretariat is a staff responsible for implementing the decisions made by the CPM. For example, CPM decides which topics will become standards and determines the priority in which topics for standards will be developed. The IPPC standard-setting group implements CPM decisions relating to standard setting.

Objectives:

  • Describe the function of IPPC Secretariat
  • Describe the role of the IPPC Secretariat standard-setting group in coordinating the development of standards
The Roles and Responsibilities of the IPPC Secretariat

The IPPC Secretariat is an organization responsible for implementing decisions of the CPM and for coordinating the IPPC work program. The work program focuses on the development of International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures (ISPMs), the exchange of official information, and the capacity building and technical assistance to develop the phytosanitary capacity of member countries to implement the IPPC and ISPMs.

The Secretary is the head of the Secretariat staff and is responsible for policy coordination, resource mobilization, and liaison with groups outside of the IPPC, including the FAO and other International organizations.

The Coordinator is the individual responsible for internal management of the Secretariat.

Three officers, known as the Standards Officer, the Information Exchange Officer, and the Technical Capacity Building Officer, are responsible for coordinating the program of work within their respective areas.

IPPC Scretariat

The Standards Officer leads a group in the Secretariat that is responsible for coordinating the development of ISPMs. The development process (to be discussed in greater detail in the next lesson) is both transparent and consistent and includes the following steps:

  • Create, develop, and approve Topics for Standards
  • Identify topics for standards
  • Draft standards
  • Review and comment on draft standards
  • Adopt standards
  • Publish standards

Additionally, the Standards Officer is responsible for the following tasks related to standard setting, including:

  • Managing the program of work related to ISPMs
  • Organizing meetings and agendas of the Standards Committee and expert drafting groups
  • Requesting nominations for experts to draft standards and topics for new standards from members

Several IPPC bodies are involved in the standard setting process. These include the Commission on Phytosanitary Measures (CPM) and the IPPC Secretariat. The Standards Officer plays a key role in coordinating the development of standards.

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