Lesson 4: IPPC Bodies Involved in the Standard Setting Process
Topic 1: Commission on Phytosanitary Measures and its Bureau
It is important for new and prospective members to be familiar with the IPPC bodies and their roles, especially regarding standard setting.
Objectives:
- Describe the composition of the Commission on Phytosanitary Measures (CPM) and the Bureau and describe their functions
- Describe the role of the CPM and the Bureau in reviewing and adopting standards
Commission on Phytosanitary Measures
The Commission on Phytosanitary Measures (CPM or Commission) is the governing body of the IPPC, which exists to promote implementation of the Convention’s objectives. Let us examine the key functions of the CPM.
The Commission on Phytosanitary Measures is the governing body of the IPPC and is comprised of voting members from contracting parties.
- The CPM meets annually to:
- Review global plant-protection needs
- Adopt new ISPMs
- Conduct other business
- Membership is open to all contracting parties
- One voting delegate representative per country
- Decisions are made by consensus
- Other members can attend meetings
- CPM subsidiary bodies
- Standards Committee (SC)
- Subsidiary Body on Dispute Settlement (SBDS)
- Informal CPM Working Group
- Strategic Planning and Technical Assistance Group (SPTA)
- The Bureau directs  IPPC functions between CPM sessions
- Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson (no more than two) are elected
- Contains seven members
- Each is a representative of an FAO region
The Commission on Phytosanitary Measures (CPM) is the governing body of the IPPC. It is comprised of voting members from each contracting party. The CPM meets annually to adopt standards and to conduct other business.
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