REPORT OF INTERNATIONAL PLANT PROTECTION CONVENTION (IPPC)

The following communication, received on 15 October 2025, is being circulated at the request of the International Plant Protection Convention secretariat (IPPC).

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The International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) represents a global agreement among 185 nations (October 2025) dedicated to safeguarding plant life from harmful pests while enabling secure international trade. This treaty establishes International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures (ISPMs) as its primary mechanism, positioning the IPPC as the world's only global body creating plant health standards.

Under the World Trade Organization's Sanitary and Phytosanitary Agreement, the IPPC forms part of the "Three Sisters" framework alongside the Codex Alimentarius Commission (food safety) and the World Organization for Animal Health/WOAH (animal health).

1  Commission on Phytosanitary Measures (CPM)

1.1.  The next session of the CPM (CPM-20, 2026)[1] is tentatively scheduled for March/April 2026, at FAO Headquarters, Rome, Italy. Specific dates and discussion points will be communicated once finalized.

2  Commission on Phytosanitary Measures (CPM) Bureau and the IPPC Strategic Planning Group (SPG)

2.1.  The CPM Bureau[2] provides strategic direction and oversees financial and operational management for CPM activities. The Strategic Planning Group (SPG)[3] meets annually to offer strategic insight for IPPC community work and enhance operations by delivering recommendations and guidance to the CPM on relevant matters within its mandate.

2.2.  The CPM Bureau met in June (face-to-face) and September (online) and will meet in October (face-to-face). During these meetings, the bureau discussed and agreed on the CPM-20 agenda structure, maintaining focus on the strategic framework while incorporating suggested improvements based on lessons learned. They also proposed that the science session for CPM-20 (2026) should focus on "Provision of safe food and other humanitarian aid", and recommended side session topics including commodity standards, pest-free areas, smart plant health, and the Africa Phytosanitary Programme (APP).

2.3.  The September meeting focused on reviewing submitted SPG papers from Contracting Parties, considering recommendations to the SPG, and finalizing the agendas for the SPG and upcoming bureau's October meeting.

3  Standards Committee[4]

3.1.  The IPPC Standards Committee (SC) is scheduled to meet from 17-21 November 2025 at FAO Headquarters, Rome, Italy. The primary objective of this meeting will be to potentially recommend the following draft ISPMs to CPM-20 (2026) for adoption:

·_        Draft revision of ISPM 26 (Establishment and maintenance of pest free areas for fruit flies (Tephritidae)) (2021-010); and

·_        Draft annex Field inspection (2021-018) to ISPM 23 (Guidelines for inspection).

3.2.  Additional SC November discussions. The SC will also address:

·_        Issues raised from the first consultation period on the draft commodity standards on International movement of fresh Musa spp. fruit (2023-028) and International movement of fresh taro (Colocasia esculenta) corm for consumption (2023-023);

·_        Draft Specifications from consultation for revision and approval;

·_        Urgent issues from Technical Panels.

3.3.  The SC has adopted the following Diagnostic Protocols (DPs) on behalf of the CPM, which are now published on the dedicated IPPC webpage of adopted ISPMs:

·_        DP 35 Meloidogyne mali (2018-019);

·_        DP 36 Pospiviroid species (2018-031).

3.4.  More information about the SC can be found at https://www.ippc.int/en/commission/standards-committee/.

4  Implementation and Capacity Development Committee (IC)[5]

4.1.  Between June and October 2025, the IC made substantial progress across several priority areas of the IPPC Strategic Framework (2020–2030). Work continued on the five key development agenda items (DAIs), notably ePhyto, e-commerce, the Pest Outbreak and Alert Response System (POARS), third party entities and climate change and phytosanitary issues. Significant achievements were also recorded under POARS, including the operationalization of a structured process for identifying emerging pests, the launch of the IPPC Pest Alert System, and the issuance of the first official alert for Clavibacter nebraskensis. The Steering Group met in Rome in late September to define further deliverables and align with related IPPC initiatives, such as Fusarium TR4 and the APP.

4.2.  In capacity development, the IC continued improving the Phytosanitary Capacity Evaluation (PCE) tool following recommendations from the April 2025 workshops. Eight new PCE facilitators were certified, and efforts to modernize the digital platform and evaluation modules were ongoing. The IPPC Plant Health Campus launched in March 2025 remained a cornerstone of learning, offering new e-learning courses, a pest emergency simulation tool, and materials translated into French, with ongoing work for the Spanish version.

4.3.  On cross-cutting initiatives, the IC collaborated closely with the Focus Group on Climate Change and Phytosanitary Issues (FG-CCPI), planning a joint webinar series in October 2025 to raise awareness of climate-resilient surveillance and pest risk analysis. The IC also finalized plans to launch a call for nominations for the Expert Working Group on the Audit in the Phytosanitary Context in November 2025. Additionally, the IC continued its strong collaboration with the Standards Committee (SC), ensuring smoother integration between standard setting and implementation.

4.4.  The November 2025 IC meeting will be held face-to-face from 10 to 14 November 2025 in Bari, Italy. More information about the IC can be found at https://www.ippc.int/en/commission/capacity-development-committee/.

5  NEW IPPC Guides and training materials

5.1.  IPPC Guides and training materials are developed under the oversight of the Implementation and Capacity Development Committee (IC) to build national phytosanitary capacity and support implementation of the International Plant Protection Convention and associated international standards. Two new IPPC e-learning courses and five new IPPC guides were published in the last 18 months:

·_        National reporting obligations e-learning course

·_        Surveillance and pest status determination e-learning course

·_        Participating in the Commission on Phytosanitary Measures of the International Plant Protection Convention

·_        E-commerce: A guide to managing the pest risk posed by goods ordered online and distributed through postal and courier pathways

·_        Regulation of wood packaging material: Understanding the phytosanitary requirements for the movement of wood packaging material in international trade

·_        Emergency Preparedness: A guide for developing contingency plans for outbreaks of quarantine pests (EN, ES)

·_        Prevention, preparedness and response guidelines for Fusarium Tropical Race 4 (TR4) of banana (EN, FR)

6  IPPC Observatory[6]

6.1.  The IPPC Observatory is working on the Third IPPC General Survey. A through desk research has been conducted to define the scope of the survey with an objective to simplify and standardise the survey. The technical concept note had been prepared to analyse lessons learned from the initial two general surveys, and to define the objectives, scope, key areas of focus, as well as proposed key performance indicators. This technical concept note had been shared for a thorough review process with the IPPC secretariat, key CPM sub-committees and groups, as well as the observatories of the Codex Alimentarius and the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH). Following this, the concept note was presented to the 2025 IPPC Strategic Planning Group meeting in October for further feedback. The plan is to develop the survey questionnaire and then launch it at CPM-20 (2026).

6.2.  The IPPC Observatory Study on E-commerce had been completed, the study report prepared and with a set of recommendations to further guide the work on the IPPC Strategic Framework 2020‑2030 Development Agenda Item Management of e-commerce and courier mail pathways for the remaining five years until the end of the strategic framework. The study report is to be published in the first quarter of 2026.

6.3.  The two IPPC surveys on the use of fungicides and antibiotics in plant protection have been closed as mandated by CPM-19 (2025). The IPPC Observatory is collaborating with FAO's Plant Production and Protection Division (NSP) to produce the study report summarising the analysis of both surveys and set of recommendations. The study report is to be published in the first quarter of 2026.

6.4.  The continuation of antimicrobial resistance/use (AMR/AMU) data collection in plant health will now be carried out through the FAO InFARM platform, and the call for data collection was announced to the IPPC Community.

7  ePhyto[7]

7.1.  The IPPC ePhyto Solution is rapidly expanding as a key tool for digitalizing phytosanitary certification and facilitating safe trade. As of July 2025, 97 countries are exchanging electronic phytosanitary certificates (ePhytos) through the system, marking a steady increase in adoption. By joining the ePhyto Solution, countries can move immediately to paperless trade, exchanging certificates electronically with other participating nations. This system has become an essential part of modernizing trade procedures while ensuring compliance with international plant health standards.

7.2.  The ePhyto Hub currently processes around 250,000 exchanges each month, generating an estimated USD 80 million in annual global savings. The Generic ePhyto National System (GeNS) helps countries without their own national systems to participate, issuing about 25,000 certificates monthly and serving 8,228 users across 375 offices. These figures demonstrate the growing confidence in the system and the strong global momentum toward digital certification. Studies show that ePhyto brings per-shipment savings of USD 3.70 to USD 83.50, depending on the commodity and trading partners, resulting in millions in annual savings and faster, more transparent trade.

7.3.  The ePhyto Solution continues to evolve, with a focus on addressing a backlog of functional and technical updates to maintain stability, security, and cost efficiency. As more countries adopt the system, its global benefits expand, supporting lower trade costs, reduced administrative work, and greater reliability. The IPPC secretariat remains committed to strengthening the ePhyto Solution to ensure it continues to serve as a global model for safe, efficient, and digital trade in plants and plant products.

8  Communications and Advocacy

8.1.  At the CPM Bureau meeting in June, the IPPC secretariat presented the updates on the International Day of Plant Health 2025 as well as a multi-year planning proposal for future IDPH observations. IPDH 2025, under the theme, "The importance of Plant Health in One Health", was held in El Salvador, making it the first time to hold the high-level event outside of FAO headquarters. The event was co-organized with the Organismo Internacional Regional de Sanidad Agropecuaria (OIRSA) and opened by FAO Director-General via video message while FAO, IPPC and OIRSA led the panel discussion and gave media interviews to top broadcast media in El Salvador. Around 1,300 attendees participated virtually and watched the livestream on FAO webcast. More than 60 countries around the world observed the Day while the global campaign reached about a billion impressions and 180 million users online.

8.2.  The IDPH multi-year planning presented to the CPM Bureau proposed a long-term approach in organizing high-level events: 1) The physical presence of the FAO DG boosts public and media engagement; succeeding IDPH events should therefore be embedded in FAO-led events where the FAO DG is attending; 2) Replicate the successful co-organization with OIRSA by inviting other RPPOs to co-host the event. At the IPPC Regional Workshop in the NENA region in August 2025, NEPPO offered to host IDPH 2026. This will be further discussed at the CPM Bureau meeting in December.

8.3.  The IPPC secretariat participated in FAO's first global exhibition: From Seeds to Foods, held from 10-13 October in Rome, Italy, as part of activities to commemorate FAO's 80^th anniversary.

8.4.  In collaboration with OIRSA, the secretariat presented a live demo of a virtual reality simulation designed to help farmers and plant health professionals manage banana diseases more effectively, a powerful step toward smarter, more resilient agriculture. The simulation mirrors everyday real‑world challenges, providing a safe learning environment with no real-life risks and a cost‑effective training approach.

8.5.  The IPPC secretariat also welcomed Ente Nazionale Cinofilia Italiana (ENCI), an Italian agency training sniffer dogs to detect disease-causing organisms such as Xylella fastidiosa - a major threat to olive production. The dogs drew crowds and praise from exhibition goers and high-profile visitors such as the FAO Director-General, QU Dongyu and FAO Deputy Director-General Beth Bechdol. More on the IPPC's participation via LinkedIn.

8.6.  The IPPC secretariat also staged a theatrical performance highlighting the benefits of the IPPC ePhyto Solution — from cost savings to safer, faster trade.

8.7.  Overall, the IPPC's exhibition highlighted the importance of innovation in plant health and the value of collaboration among stakeholders.

9  IPPC Regional Workshop[8]

9.1.  Seven IPPC regional workshops were held in August-September 2025 across Argentina, Congo (Congo-Brazzaville), Fiji, the Republic of Korea, Oman, Trinidad and Tobago, and Türkiye, each running three to five days. In total, 267 participants from 119 countries took part, and draft ISPM comments were submitted through the Online Commenting System open from 1 July to 30 September. Of 132 survey respondents (49 percent response rate), 98 percent rated the workshop content good or very good and 97 percent agreed the objectives were achieved, indicating a strong satisfaction rate overall. Alongside detailed work on ISPM drafts and regional priorities, the agenda included discussion of "Rethinking ISPMs", which generated valuable recommendations and allowed the regions to exchange views and share their perspectives on the future development of international standards.

10  CPM Focus Group on Climate Change and Phytosanitary Issues

10.1.  From June to October 2025, the FG-CCPI advanced its work through significant outreach activities and key strategic planning. A major achievement was the successful delivery of an international webinar series on 1–2 October 2025, which brought together global experts, including as speaker from the STDF, to share practical experiences on pest risk analysis, surveillance, and management in a changing climate. Alongside this, the group continued to develop practical guidance, advancing technical factsheets on the climate-related risks for major pests such as Xylella fastidiosa, fall armyworm, and coffee leaf rust. To ensure the continuation of this work, the Focus Group has also solidified its future direction, formally recommending to the CPM Bureau an extension of its mandate until March 2028 to complete its strategic objectives.

11  CPM Focus Group on Sea Containers

11.1.  CPM-18 (2024) noted the work undertaken by the CPM Focus Group on Sea Containers (FGSC) and associated recommendations, subsequently approving the extension of the mandate until 2027 and the new ToR. The purpose of the extended mandate of the Focus Group is to continue the work carried out by the 2022-2023 Focus Group and review all new, emerging and evolving technologies and opportunities. In considering these factors, the Focus Group will provide final recommendations to the CPM on longer term IPPC guidance.

11.2.  At CPM-19 (2025) the FGSC presented on the activities of the Focus Group (CPM 2025/31), including the outcomes of the International Symposium on Optimizing Container Design to Mitigate the Risks or Pest Contamination (November 2024, Rotterdam), the revision of the Cargo Transport Unit Code (CTU Code) to update and enhance included information on the prevention of pest contamination, in line with the adopted CPM Recommendation 06 and the continued assessment of regulatory and non-regulatory options.

11.3.  Following the success of the November 2024 Sea Container Symposium, planning is underway for the October 2025 Sea Containers Symposium to be held in Copenhagen, Denmark. This event was discussed at the December 2024 physical meeting of the FGSC and was identified as a key forum to further the discussions had in Rotterdam, consider the progress of the resulting sea container design working group and facilitate wider feedback from key stakeholders in the international sea container pathway towards developing feasible and harmonized strategies for minimizing pest risks associated with sea containers. The symposium will take place in Copenhagen (7-8 October 2025) and is planned to be held back-to-back with a three-day meeting (8‑10 October 2025) of the EU Chief Officers of Plant Health (COPHS) in Copenhagen, where it is planned to discuss the subject of container cleanliness. A physical meeting of the FGSC will then be convened on 9‑10 October 2025.

11.4.  Additionally, the FGSC is preparing for a Side Session to be held at CPM-20 on sea containers with a view to raise awareness on the progress of the work of the FGSC on sea container design, analysis of regulatory and non-regulatory measures and Custodial Responsibility, gather information from Contracting Parties and NPPOs present on the uptake of Recommendation 06 to inform and support the FGSC's ultimate recommendations to CPM 21 and share objectives of, and promote, the follow up international workshop proposed to be held in 2026.

11.5.  A final report on activities and recommendations will be presented at CPM 21 in 2027.

12  CPM Focus Group on the Safe Provisions of Food and Other Humanitarian Aid

12.1.  One of the key achievements of the CPM Focus Group on the Safe Provisions of Food and Other Humanitarian Aid (FGSA) and the wider IPPC community at the CPM-19 (March 2025) was the approval of the draft specification for a new ISPM titled "Safe Provision of Humanitarian Aid in the Phytosanitary Context". The approved Specification 77 addresses the importance of managing plant pest risks associated with providing humanitarian aid during disaster situations, an area currently insufficiently covered by existing phytosanitary systems. It outlines the scope and purpose of the ISPM and defines the tasks to be carried out by the Expert Working Group (EWG) responsible for drafting the standard.

12.2.  Since CPM-19, the FGSA has convened once, meeting face-to-face in Nairobi, Kenya, in June 2025. This meeting, the third in-person session since the group's establishment, was co-organized with Kenya's National Plant Protection Organization (NPPO): the Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS). Key stakeholders in attendance included representatives from the World Food Programme - Kenya, the FAO Subregional Office for Eastern Africa, the Seed Trade Association of Kenya, the Kenya Disaster Management Unit, and the Kenya Red Cross. The meeting had a broad media coverage in Kenya and East Africa television. The meeting agenda addressed the remaining tasks under the FGSA mandate, including drafting a webinar concept note, preparing a video script on the topic, and developing an action plan in collaboration with WOAH, CODEX, WFP, and FAO. It also provided an excellent opportunity for members to share national case studies on pests associated with humanitarian aid and discuss the strategies they have adopted in response to these situations.

12.3.  While the IPPC secretariat has recently launched a call for experts to establish the EWG, a final report on FGSA activities and recommendations will be presented at CPM 20 in 2026.

13  Upcoming IPPC events

13.1.  For more information on upcoming meetings, please check the website: https://www.ippc.int/en/year/calendar/.

14  IPPC videos and other tools

14.1.  The IPPC secretariat wishes to share with you some tools available.

·_        Introduction to the IPPC Plant Health Campus

·_        IPPC, Africa Phytosanitary Programme: Harnessing technology for plant health Also with subtitles in Arabic, French, Spanish, Russian

·_        Protecting plants: How Phytosanitary Capacity Evaluations strengthen plant health systems? Also available with subtitles in French and Spanish

·_        New IDPH promotional video on Plant health and one health

·_        Updated webpage and brochure (EN, FR, AR, PT) on the Africa Phytosanitary Programme

·_        New infographic video Managing the pest risk posed by e-commerce: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XDEaNfAZ2sM&list=PLzp5NgJ2-dK4T7GE2fsGujftlxSX1rCTC&t=4s

·_        Video on the IPPC standard setting procedure: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W8zciLFG--8

·_        Video on Pest risk analysis: Why we do it and why it is important?: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MXtQ9zVUqI0&t=212s

·_        IPPC Observatory Factsheet: https://www.fao.org/documents/card/en/c/cc1022en

·_        IPPC Observatory Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3tsuqqTpdAQ

·_        IPPC Observatory webpage: https://www.ippc.int/en/core-activities/capacity-development/list-topics-ippc-irss/list

14.2.  The IPPC secretariat would like to take this opportunity to express its sincere gratitude to the WTO SPS Secretariat for its strong support and close cooperation.

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