Quarantine issues

IPPC and phytosanitary measures

The International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) is an international treaty (to which 145 governments currently adhere as of 29 March 2006) to secure action to prevent the spread and introduction of pests of plants and plant products, and to promote appropriate measures for their control. It is governed by the Interim Commission on Phytosanitary Measures (ICPM) which adopts International standards for phytosanitary measures (ISPM) in order to reduce phytosanitary risks.


Regulating wood packaging in international trade

All standards are applicable to forestry but more specifically ISPM No. 15 gives guidelines for regulating wood packaging material in international trade.

An international workshop was held in Vancouver (28 Feb - 4 March 2005) to address issues surrounding implementation of ISPM No. 15: Wood Packaging Implementation Workshop.

A discussion forum about ISPM No. 15 has been set up and frequently asked questions and answers have been summarised on the International Forestry Quarantine Research Group site.

Link to the Inter-African Phytosanitary Council - The African Plant Protection Organization (APPO).

Link to the contact point of the National Plant Protection Organization (NPPOs) of all countries.

Link to the European and Mediterranean Plant Protection Organization (EPPO).

PEST ALERT

EPPO Alert List: this list underlines the possible risk to certain pests for EPPO member countries.

RISK: An example of an important pest from outside of Africa

  • Anoplophora glabripennis (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae), Asian Longhorned Beetle (ALB) : This beetle is a serious pest in China where it kills hardwood trees in roadside plantings, shelterbelts, and plantations.It has been discovered attacking trees in the United States and eastern Canada. ALB probably travelled to the United States inside solid wood packing material.
    Please click on the link for more information about Asian longhorned beetle (University of Vermont Entomology Research Laboratory). Asian longhorned beetles, Anoplophora glabripennis (Photo: G. Allard)Asian longhorned beetles, Anoplophora glabripennis (Photo: G. Allard)