On March 28, 2023, the 17th session of the International Committee on Phytosanitary Measures (CPM) adopted an amendment to the existing international standards for phytosanitary measures, which aims to strengthen the preventive regulation of trade in plants and plant products in order to reduce the spread of pests and protect global plant health.

The main contents of the amendment include the addition, modification or deletion of certain phytosanitary terms in ISPM 5 to more accurately describe the requirements and procedures for phytosanitary procedures. At the same time, the provisions in Annex 20 of ISPM 20 regarding specific import authorisations require official consent have also been revised. This may also apply when imports are prohibited for phytosanitary reasons, or when the requirements for phytosanitary imports for specific purposes, items or circumstances have not been established.

In addition, the amendment also revised the requirements for the use of radiation as a plant sanitation measure, providing a general requirement for the use of radiation as a plant sanitation measure. In addition, the treatment methods used in the plant sanitation treatment of controlled harmful organisms in ISPM 28 were updated. Finally, the amendment also revised the plant sanitation treatment of Jack Bell powder and proposed radiation treatment to prevent its harm to fruit, vegetables and observation plants.

The International Standards for Plant Sanitation Measures as the basis for the adoption of plant sanitation measures by members of the World Trade Organization in accordance with the sanitation and plant sanitation measures implementation agreements, regulate the behavior and efforts of countries in the implementation of plant sanitation measures.

Relevant enterprises should actively pay attention to this amendment, and study in depth to analyze the contents of the new amendment. Enterprises should strengthen the accurate grasp of the various plant sanitation measures, sanitation import requirements, etc. stipulated in the amendment, and organize the relevant department heads to strengthen training, normalize operation as required. At the same time, enterprises should also communicate with foreign customers, through the contract clauses clearly both sides responsibility, to avoid causing unnecessary trade losses.