Annex III - Training requirements for plant quarantine inspectors

Scope

The standard provides guidance on the development of training requirement for plant quarantine inspectors in phytosanitary inspection theory, methods and procedures.

References

Determination of pest status in an area, 1998. ISPM Pub. No. 8, FAO, Rome.

Export certification system, 1997. ISPM Pub. No. 7, FAO, Rome.

Glossary of phytosanitary terms, 2002. ISPM Pub. No. 5, FAO, Rome.

Guidelines for pest risk analysis, 1996. ISPM Pub. No. 2, FAO, Rome.

Guidelines for Phytosanitary Certificates, 2001. ISPM Pub. No. 12, FAO, Rome.

Guidelines for regulating wood packaging material in international trade, 2002. ISPM Pub. No. 15, FAO, Rome.

Guidelines for the notification of non-compliance and emergency action, 2001. ISPM Pub. No. 13, FAO, Rome.

Principles of plant quarantine as related to international trade, 1996. ISPM Pub. No. 1, FAO, Rome.

Regulated non-quarantine pets: concept and application, 2002. ISPM Pub. No. 16, FAO, Rome.

National Certificate in biosecurity (border quarantine) with strands in international cargo clearance, international vessel clearance, international aircraft clearance and international mail clearance. Training programme established through Forest Industries Training and Education Council of New Zealand Incorporated.

Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS). Certificate II in quarantine inspection: various generic, technical and site-specific modules.

USDA module phytosanitary legislation background documents biological references PCE

Agreements WTO (SPS), IPPC, APPPC and other relevant international agreements as appropriate

National legislation

Definitions and Abbreviations

Outline of requirements

National Plant Protection Organizations (NPPOs) have the responsibility to train plant quarantine inspectors. NPPOs may utilize educational organizations, special training institutes, modular programmes or in-service systems.

A number of subject areas for such training include:

- Human resource management to deal with personal skills and occupational health and safety issues.

- Plant health and impact on trade and the environment to cover basic plant health, international agreements and standards, phytosanitary principles, legislation, regulations and national policies, pest risk analysis, regulated pests, product identification.

- Administrative procedures such as conveyance clearance, mail clearance, cargo clearance, passenger clearance, phytosanitary certification, general phytosanitary documentation, liaison with relevant border agencies and authorities, prosecution for non-compliance with phytosanitary regulations and auditing accredited service providers.

- Technical procedures such as pest diagnosis, sampling regimes for inspection, inspection procedures for different commodities, the use of electronic detection systems, phytosanitary actions and treatments, post-entry quarantine and passenger systems.

General requirements

1. Purpose

Plant quarantine inspectors face a wide variety of tasks on a daily basis in the inspection of regulated articles. To effectively accomplish this work, it is desirable for the inspectors to have a sound educational background in agriculture and general knowledge in trade and the environment and have specific training in phytosanitary procedures used in compliance assurance. Harmonization of inspector training across the APPPC region will increase understanding and cooperation among NPPOs in the region. This standard lists most, if not all, of the areas of training for inspectors whilst recognizing that inspectors need specific training in regard to the areas in which they are responsible.

The standard, in describing subject areas for training of plant quarantine inspectors, aims to:

- provide a sound basis for the development of effective and efficient plant quarantine inspectors;

- achieve a consistent approach to training of inspectors across the APPPC region.

2. Administration of training systems

The NPPO should undertake to provide opportunities for training plant quarantine inspectors (IPPC Article IV.2 [h]) in the appropriate subject areas listed below.

It is recognized that different countries (or different states or provinces within a country) may have different areas of concern and may focus on those phytosanitary areas deemed to have the greatest potential need, use and benefit (e.g. different potential pathways for pests). NPPOs should provide suitable expertise and resources for the conduct of a training programme.

Each NPPO has to determine the most efficient way of training its staff. At present there are many methods used by different agencies. These include:

- training at a special training institute;
- training at an existing educational institute with special courses;
- using training modules as part of a course, as stand-alone units or as self study unit;
- on the job training by NPPO officials in the home country or in another country.

Also, such training would involve the preparation of training programmes for each inspector over a period of years. This is likely to involve continuing training as an officer’s job responsibilities change or new procedures are introduced.

Each training system would involve the normal administration including the identification of qualification levels, examination setting and marking and appropriate record keeping.

Some countries within the region have quarantine inspectors with multiple responsibilities - for plant health, animal health and food. In such cases, the training programme described in this standard would only cover the plant health aspects of training required.

It may be possible for countries of a region to share training opportunities and hence the costs of establishing training systems.

NPPOs are encouraged to consider the following subject areas for their training programmes. Nevertheless, the modules in which specific training is provided may be different from the heading of the listed subject areas. Some NPPOs have training modules relating to specific areas of operation. For example, training for inspectors at an airport may include aspects of aircraft, passenger and baggage clearance, garbage disposal, etc.

3. Subject areas for training

3.1 Human resource management

Training modules for plant quarantine inspectors may include these aspects of human resource management:

3.1.1 Personal skills

These may include:

- communication skills
- interpersonal communication
- dealing with clients
- conflict management
- cultural sensitivity
- language skills
- computer literacy
- report writing
- public awareness campaigns
- taking legal statements
- on the job training of other staff

3.1.2 Occupational health and safety issues

These may include:

- safety in the work place
- dangerous work areas such as wharves and ship inspections
- recognition and handling, where authorized, of hazardous materials
- handling equipment
- handling toxic and treated commodities
- handling suspect packages and commodities
- identification of safety signs and symbols
- maintenance of equipment/facilities
- application of quarantine treatments

3.2 General knowledge of plant health, trade and the environment

3.2.1 Basic plant health

A basic knowledge of the biotic factors involved in plant health e.g. insects, mites arachnids, nematodes, molluscs, weeds, fungi, bacteria, viruses and allied entities is essential. This would include also a knowledge of how these pests may be carried with regulated articles and moved between countries. The basic information should include an understanding of the impact of pests on commercial production, the environment and human health.

Where inspectors act on behalf of other agencies, such as public health and sanitary agencies, in the inspection for spiders, frogs and other hitch-hiker/contaminants, they may need appropriate training. This also applies where inspectors are involved with inspections relating to hull fouling and ballast water under the International Maritime Organization (IMO).

3.2.2 International agreements and standards

Inspectors need to be aware of the WTO SPS Agreement, IPPC and relevant regional plant protection agreements and the associated standard setting by IPPC, CODEX, OIE and regional plant protection organizations. Inspectors need to have an understanding of the use of the glossary (ISPM 5) terminology.

Inspectors need to be aware of the role of the IPPC in describing the responsibilities of NPPOs and the relevant ISPMs to commodity import and export certification.

3.2.3 Phytosanitary principles

Inspectors need to understand the basic principles of phytosanitary measures such as prevention, eradication, control/containment of quarantine pests. Inspectors should be aware of the principles of plant quarantine as related to international trade (ISPM No. 1).

3.2.4 Legislation, regulations and national policies

It is essential that inspectors are familiar with their national quarantine legislation, regulations and policies. They must understand the structure of the NPPO, their lines of reporting and know their powers, and their limitations, under the legislation. Inspectors may need to be aware of related legislation and regulations of other government agencies (e.g. customs, immigration, health, railways, civil aviation, post and telecommunication, port, airport and border authorities as appropriate).

3.2.5 Pest risk analysis

Inspectors should understand the need for pest risk analysis, the components of assessment and risk management, and how the process is involved in the preparation of import requirements or export certification (ISPM Pub. No. 2 and No. 11, FAO, Rome).

Inspectors need to be aware of the risk assessment process associated with the introduction and spread of regulated pests on regulated articles.

Inspectors should be able to supervise/apply appropriate required risk management procedures that are commensurate with the risk.

3.2.6 Regulated pests

Inspectors should be aware of regulated pests, both quarantine pests and regulated non-quarantine pests, that may threaten their domestic industries and the environment. This should involve knowledge of the origin and the major pathways of introduction of these pests and the risk of their introduction and spread. They should be able to report such pests.

3.2.7 Product identification

Inspectors need to be able to recognize a variety of regulated articles in order to apply regulations correctly e.g. fruit, vegetable, cereals, seeds, flowers, ornamental, processed plant material, propagative material, forest produce (logs, lumber, manufactured articles), cane products, and growth media.

Inspectors may also need to be aware of the operation of Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) regarding endangered species and the Convention on biological diversity, particularly in relation to the entry of invasive alien species that may threaten the environment. (CITES aims to ensure that international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival. The Convention of Biological Diversity has as its objectives the conservation of biological diversity, the sustainable use of its components and the fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising out of the utilization of genetic resources.)

Some countries may require inspectors to deal with documentation concerning LMO material and. issues relating to the Cartagena Protocol. (The Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety to the Convention on Biological Diversity was adopted by the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on 29 January 2000, and deals with ensuring an adequate level of protection is provided for the safe transfer, handling and use of living modified organisms (LMO) resulting from modern biotechnology.)

3.3 Administrative procedures

3.3.1 Clearance procedures

Conveyance clearance (air, sea, land)

Inspectors need to be able to apply the procedures relating to phytosanitary clearance when a conveyance (aircraft, ship, train, truck, etc.) enters the country. These procedures may involve inspection, documentation checking, treatment, seizure, rejection, containment of risk items, and garbage disposal.

Mail clearance

Inspectors should be familiar with the handling and screening process for mail and the appropriate inspection techniques to detect regulated articles.

Cargo clearance

Procedures used include: documentation checking, inspection, applying/supervising any appropriate treatment, detention, destruction, and refusal of entry. Inspectors should be able to apply entry clearance procedures for consignments of plant material and other regulated articles.

Passenger clearance

Inspectors should be trained in dealing with passengers and passenger baggage. This includes:

- questioning skills for dealing with passengers;
- baggage inspection skills;
- using profiling data to target inspections and other phytosanitary procedures;
- liaise effectively with associated agency personnel;
- procedures for seizure, release and treatment of goods.

3.3.2 Phytosanitary certification

Inspectors should be able to check:

- The implementation of the guidelines for phytosanitary certificates as described in ISPM Pub. No. 12 and export certification system, ISPM Pub. No.7.

- Compliance with the import requirements of the importing country.

- The application of the export certification system of the exporting country.

3.3.3 General phytosanitary documentation

Inspectors should be familiar with the phytosanitary documents relating to import, export and domestic movement of regulated articles. This may also include documentation relating to:

- The import and release of biological control agents (ISPM Pub. No.3).
- Wood packaging materials (ISPM Pub. No. 15).
- Notification of non-compliance (ISPM Pub. No.13).
- Import requests and permits.
- Regulated non-quarantine pests (ISPM Pub. No.16).
- Declarations.
- This may include CITES documentation in some countries.

3.3.4 Liaison with relevant border agencies and authorities

Inspectors should be aware of appropriate procedures and protocols to liaise with relevant government agencies including:

- customs
- immigration
- railways and civil aviation
- communication, post and telecommunication
- environment
- health
- banks
- port, airport and any other border authorities as appropriate

3.3.5 Prosecution for non-compliance with phytosanitary regulations

Inspectors should be familiar with the documentation and procedures to support prosecutions for deliberate non-compliance with phytosanitary regulations. Such non-compliance includes:

- the smuggling of prohibited materials;

- erroneous entry or falsification of import-permits (including false product descriptions), phytosanitary certificates or other phytosanitary documents;

- breaking of quarantine seals on containers or packaging.

In some countries inspectors undertake prosecution and may require appropriate training.

3.3.6 Auditing of accredited service providers

Inspectors may be trained to undertake audits of third party service providers and audits of approved quarantine premises and facilities.

3.4 Technical procedures

3.4.1 Use of detection systems

Inspectors should be trained in the use of various detection systems where they are used by NPPOs such as:

- X Ray transmission imaging machines
- scanners used for containers
- thermal scanners for wood and logs
- animal detectors
- inspection at checkpoints

3.4.2 Sampling regimes for inspection

Inspectors need to be familiar with sampling regimes for the inspection of different kinds and quantities of regulated articles. This will involve the determination of the sample size, the number of samples required, and the method of collection of samples from the different types and volumes of plant material on other regulated articles.

3.4.3 Inspection procedures for different commodities

Inspectors need to be able to use different inspection techniques for different commodities and consignments such as bulk, containers, various forms of packaging, bags, sacks or boxes, individual items, passenger baggage using the following methods:

- visual examination including field inspections, monitoring, surveys;
- microscopic examination;
- electronic tests or analysis;
- analytical methods.

3.4.4 Pest diagnosis

Inspectors need to be trained to be able to:

- recognize the signs, symptoms and presence of pests associated with regulated articles;

- use diagnostic tools to aid in primary identification of biotic agents;

- collect and preserve specimens for submission to experts for identification;

- recognize weed seed contaminants and collect samples for submission to experts for identification;

- know where to refer specimens when special expertise is required;

- know how to deal with lack of definite diagnoses;

- recognize contamination of non-regulated articles with regulated articles.

3.4.5 Phytosanitary actions and treatments

Inspectors need to be trained in the use of and supervision of those actions and treatments that may be required. These may include phytosanitary actions to:

- hold
- prohibit entry
- destroy material (by burial or incineration) or
- processing for a different end-use with negligible quarantine risk

Treatments including:

- fumigation
- physical disinfestation using low temperatures, heat, or irradiation
- chemical
- disinfestations

3.4.6 Post-entry quarantine

Inspectors should be familiar with the principles and application of post-entry quarantine. Post-entry quarantine may be undertaken in authorized specially designed and secure glass-house, isolated planting areas or special monitoring programmes to observe the imported materials for the incidence of pests. Post-entry quarantine may have different degrees of security to deal with different levels of risk, for example:

- high security using special secure facilities with diagnostic and destruction equipment
- medium security facilities which are audited by the NPPO.

Inspectors should be able to use correct procedures for handling material destined for post entry quarantine.

3.4.7 Procedures for detecting and dealing with new pests

Inspectors need to be familiar with procedures for detecting new pests, such as pest surveillance and control, containment and eradication procedures for newly detected quarantine pests.