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11. Consideration of recommendations of the fourteenth technical consultation among Regional Plant Protection Organizations (agenda item 10)


Mr Shen, Executive Secretary of APPPC, reported on the recommendations of the fourteenth consultation among Regional Plant Protection Organizations (TC14).

The TC14 was held 9 to 13 December 2002 in Marrakech, Morocco. The meeting discussed issues arising from the thirteenth technical consultation as well as the fourth session of the ICPM.

Future of methyl bromide for quarantine and pre-shipment applications

The secretariat provided the TC with a discussion document on the future use of methyl bromide. The TC noted that there remains a lack of suitable alternatives to methyl bromide while at the same time there are concerns that availability of methyl bromide could be more limited in the future. The TC suggested that, where appropriate, elements concerning alternative in-transit treatments should be integrated into the general standard-setting programme and that points relating of methyl bromide should be adequately addressed in new ISPMs. The TC also suggested that the ICPM could identify the issues of immediate importance which could be made known to the technology and economic assessment panel of the Montreal Protocol before its next meeting.

The position of the technical consultation in IPPC work programme priorities

The TC discussed points raised in the strategic planning and technical assistance working group (SPTA) regarding the role of the TC with respect to IPPC work programme priorities and the need for the IPPC secretariat to participate in future meetings. The meeting noted that the TC can contribute to the work programme of the IPPC, in particular for:

- promoting the development and use of ISPMs;

- coordinating phytosanitary expertise especially with respect to the development of international standards and related explanatory documents;

- facilitating the country consultation process for draft ISPMs; and

- supporting other objectives of the IPPC work programme as necessary.

The meeting also agreed that the continued representation of the IPPC secretariat in the TC is essential to provide coordination between the ICPM, RPPOs and the IPPC secretariat.

Complexity of language of the ISPMs

The TC discussed problems associated with the practical application of ISPMs and agreed that simple language should be used in order to facilitate understanding and implementation by a wider audience. It considered that inclusion of an additional editorial step I the standard-setting process as inappropriate; and instead:

- urges participants in working group, stewards appointed for each standard, to ensure that language used in standards is clear and simple;

- urges the TC to ensure that language used in draft ISPMs is clear, simple and focused, and strongly suggests that this is added to the functions of the standards committee.

The 15th TC will be hosted by the Pacific Plant Protection Organization and South Pacific Commission from 29 September to 3 October 2003 in Fiji Islands.


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