26 September 2011: The International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) has released a report on options for improving and streamlining the Convention’s process for developing International Standards on Phytosanitary Measures (ISPMs).

The options were developed by a Focus Group mandated by the Commission on Phytosanitary Measures (CPM), the IPPC’s Governing Body, to review the process. The report addresses the conceptual issues discussed by the Focus Group and its action-orientated recommendations, including: maintaining only one standard-setting process, with modifications for technical standards; delegating the CPM’s authority to adopt Diagnostic Protocols to the Standards Committee (SC); placing more emphasis on regional coordination by assigning one SC member from each region as the regional coordinator; and developing a framework for Standards. [Publication: Report of Focus Group on Improving the Standard Setting Process]