The 13th APPPC Asia Regional Workshop for the Review of Draft International standards for Phytosanitary Measures (ISPMs) was convened from 3-7 September in Gyeong Ju, Republic of Korea. 25 experts from 14 APPPC member countries and Japan participated in the meeting.

APPPC has been playing a leading role in the regional contribution to development of international standards to prevent entry and spread of quarantine pests as the Asia Region initiated such regional consultation long time before.  It provided an opportunity to member countries consult in-depth for reflection of  regional views to the draft ISPMs. the results of the discussions not only assist countries to consolidate countries’ comments and improve the quality of the draft standards but also lead to wider understanding on key issues on the subjects.

A large number of substantial, technical and editorial comments as well as recommendations were made to 3 draft ISPMs: Draft appendix to ISPM 12: Electronic certification;    Determination of host status of fruits and vegetables to fruit fly (Tephritidae) infestation (2006-031); Draft Annex to ISPM 26: Establishment of fruit fly quarantine areas within a pest free area in the event of an outbreak 92009-007).

In addition to review of draft ISPMs, other important business of APPPC and IPPC were discussed, such as update status of implementation of APPPC work plan adopted by the 27th Session of APPPC, overview of implementation review and support system for ISPMs, implementation of ISPM15, provision of technical resources for phytosanitary info page, reporting obligation in IPP,  phytosanitary capacity development strategy and comments on diagnostic protocols, etc.

Details of the report including comments and recommendations could be found from below web link in the APPPC website: please click here