[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 225 (Tuesday, November 24, 2009)]
[Notices]
[Pages 61321-61328]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E9-28143]
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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
[Docket No. APHIS-2009-0071]
International Sanitary and Phytosanitary Standard-Setting
Activities
AGENCY: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, USDA.
ACTION: Notice and request for comments.
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SUMMARY: In accordance with legislation implementing the results of the
Uruguay Round of negotiations under the General Agreement on Tariffs
and Trade, we are informing the public of the international standard-
setting activities of the World Organization for Animal Health, the
Secretariat of the International Plant Protection Convention, and the
North American Plant Protection Organization, and we are soliciting
public comment on the standards to be considered.
ADDRESSES: You may submit comments by either of the following methods:
Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to (http://www.regulations.gov/fdmspublic/component/main?main=DocketDetail&d=APHIS-2009-0071) to submit or view comments
and to view supporting and related materials available electronically.
Postal Mail/Commercial Delivery: Please send two copies of
your comment to Docket No. APHIS-2009-0071, Regulatory Analysis and
Development, PPD, APHIS, Station 3A-03.8, 4700 River Road Unit 118,
Riverdale, MD 20737-1238. Please state that your comment refers to
Docket No. APHIS-2009-0071.
Reading Room: You may read any comments that we receive on this
docket in our reading room. The reading room is located in room 1141 of
the USDA South Building, 14th Street and Independence Avenue SW.,
Washington, DC. Normal reading room hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.,
Monday through Friday, except holidays. To be sure someone is there to
help you, please call (202) 690-2817 before coming.
Other Information: Additional information about APHIS and its
programs is available on the Internet at (http://www.aphis.usda.gov).
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For general information on the topics
covered in this notice, contact Mr. John Greifer, Associate Deputy
Administrator for SPS Management, International Services, APHIS, room
1132, South Building, 14th Street and Independence Avenue SW.,
Washington, DC 20250; (202) 720-7677.
For specific information regarding standard-setting activities of
the World Organization for Animal Health, contact Dr. Michael David,
Director, Sanitary International Standards Team, National Center for
Import and Export, VS, APHIS, 4700 River Road Unit 33, Riverdale, MD
20737-1231; (301) 734-5324.
For specific information regarding the standard-setting activities
of the International Plant Protection Convention or the North American
Plant Protection Organization, contact Ms. Julie E. Aliaga, Program
Director, International Phytosanitary Standards, PPQ, APHIS, 4700 River
Road Unit 140, Riverdale, MD 20737-1236; (301) 734-0763.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
The World Trade Organization (WTO) was established as the common
international institutional framework for governing trade relations
among its members in matters related to the Uruguay Round Agreements.
The WTO is the successor organization to the General Agreement on
Tariffs and Trade. U.S. membership in the WTO was approved by Congress
when it enacted the Uruguay Round Agreements Act (Pub. L. 103-465),
which was
[[Page 61322]]
signed into law by the President on December 8, 1994. The WTO
Agreements, which established the WTO, entered into force with respect
to the United States on January 1, 1995. The Uruguay Round Agreements
Act amended Title IV of the Trade Agreements Act of 1979 (19 U.S.C.
2531 et seq.). Section 491 of the Trade Agreements Act of 1979, as
amended (19 U.S.C. 2578), requires the President to designate an agency
to be responsible for informing the public of the sanitary and
phytosanitary (SPS) standard-setting activities of each international
standard-setting organization. The designated agency must inform the
public by publishing an annual notice in the Federal Register that
provides the following information: (1) The SPS standards under
consideration or planned for consideration by the international
standard-setting organization; and (2) for each SPS standard specified,
a description of the consideration or planned consideration of that
standard, a statement of whether the United States is participating or
plans to participate in the consideration of that standard, the agenda
for U.S. participation, if any, and the agency responsible for
representing the United States with respect to that standard.
``International standard'' is defined in 19 U.S.C. 2578b as any
standard, guideline, or recommendation: (1) Adopted by the Codex
Alimentarius Commission (Codex) regarding food safety; (2) developed
under the auspices of the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE,
formerly known as the Office International des Epizooties) regarding
animal health and zoonoses; (3) developed under the auspices of the
Secretariat of the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) in
cooperation with the North American Plant Protection Organization
(NAPPO) regarding plant health; or (4) established by or developed
under any other international organization agreed to by the member
countries of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) or the
member countries of the WTO.
The President, pursuant to Proclamation No. 6780 of March 23, 1995
(60 FR 15845), designated the Secretary of Agriculture as the official
responsible for informing the public of the SPS standard-setting
activities of Codex, OIE, IPPC, and NAPPO. The United States Department
of Agriculture's (USDA's) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS)
informs the public of Codex standard-setting activities, and USDA's
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) informs the public
of OIE, IPPC, and NAPPO standard-setting activities.
FSIS publishes an annual notice in the Federal Register to inform
the public of SPS standard-setting activities for Codex. Codex was
created in 1962 by two United Nations organizations, the Food and
Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Health Organization. It is
the major international organization for encouraging international
trade in food and protecting the health and economic interests of
consumers.
APHIS is responsible for publishing an annual notice of OIE, IPPC,
and NAPPO activities related to international standards for plant and
animal health and representing the United States with respect to these
standards. Following are descriptions of the OIE, IPPC, and NAPPO
organizations and the standard-setting agenda for each of these
organizations. We have described the agenda that each of these
organizations will address at their annual general sessions, including
standards that may be presented for adoption or consideration, as well
as other initiatives that may be underway at the OIE, IPPC, and NAPPO.
The agendas for these meetings are subject to change, and the draft
standards identified in this notice may not be sufficiently developed
and ready for adoption as indicated. Also, while it is the intent of
the United States to support adoption of international standards and to
participate actively and fully in their development, it should be
recognized that the U.S. position on a specific draft standard will
depend on the acceptability of the final draft. Given the dynamic and
interactive nature of the standard-setting process, we encourage any
persons who are interested in the most current details about a specific
draft standard or the U.S. position on a particular standard-setting
issue, or in providing comments on a specific standard that may be
under development, to contact APHIS. Contact information is provided at
the beginning of this notice under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT.
OIE Standard-Setting Activities
The OIE was established in Paris, France, in 1924 with the signing
of an international agreement by 28 countries. It is currently composed
of 174 member nations, each of which is represented by a delegate who,
in most cases, is the chief veterinary officer of that country. The WTO
has recognized the OIE as the international forum for setting animal
health standards, reporting global animal disease events, and
presenting guidelines and recommendations on sanitary measures relating
to animal health.
The OIE facilitates intergovernmental cooperation to prevent the
spread of contagious diseases in animals by sharing scientific research
among its members. The major functions of the OIE are to collect and
disseminate information on the distribution and occurrence of animal
diseases and to ensure that science-based standards govern
international trade in animals and animal products. The OIE aims to
achieve these through the development and revision of international
standards for diagnostic tests, vaccines, and the safe international
trade of animals and animal products.
The OIE provides annual reports on the global distribution of
animal diseases, recognizes the free status of Member countries for
certain diseases, categorizes animal diseases with respect to their
international significance, publishes bulletins on global disease
status, and provides animal disease control guidelines to Member
countries. Various OIE commissions and working groups undertake the
development and preparation of draft standards, which are then
circulated to Member countries for consultation (review and comment).
Draft standards are revised accordingly and are then presented to the
OIE International Committee (all the Member countries) during the
General Session, which meets annually every May, for review and
adoption. Adoption, as a general rule, is based on consensus of the OIE
membership.
The next OIE General Session is scheduled for May 23-28, 2010, in
Paris, France. Currently, the Deputy Administrator for APHIS'
Veterinary Services program is the official U.S. Delegate to the OIE.
The Deputy Administrator for APHIS' Veterinary Services program intends
to participate in the proceedings and will discuss or comment on APHIS'
position on any standard up for adoption. Information about OIE draft
Terrestrial and Aquatic Animal Health Code chapters may be found on the
Internet at (http://www.aphis.usda.gov/import_export/animals/oie/) or
by contacting Dr. Michael David (see FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT
above).
OIE Terrestrial Animal Health Code Chapters and Appendices Adopted by
the May 2009 General Session
Over 50 Code chapters were amended and/or rewritten, or newly
proposed and presented for adoption at the General Session. The
following Code
[[Page 61323]]
chapters\1\ are of particular interest to the United States:
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\1\NOTE: Proposed appendices and chapters not yet assigned by
number have been designated an ``x'' as a temporary placeholder by
the OIE.
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1. Glossary
Several Code chapter definitions were modified, rewritten, or
deleted. Modified or rewritten definitions include the definitions for
``protection zone,'' ``early detection system,'' ``outbreak,''
``risk,'' ``risk communication,'' ``vaccination,'' and ``veterinary
professional.''
2. Chapter 3.x.x, Vector surveillance
This is a new chapter that is focused on the surveillance of
disease agents transmitted by vectors.
3. Chapter 4.3, Zoning and compartmentalization, and Chapter 4.4,
Application of compartmentalization
The text in these chapters was modified for clarity in content. No
substantive changes were made to these chapters.
4. Chapter 8.5, Foot and mouth disease
The term ``buffer'' was removed and replaced with the term
``protection.'' The text was further clarified that an outbreak of FMD
within a ``protection zone'' would not affect the free status of a free
zone or country as long as the outbreak is shown to be contained to
that protection zone.
5. Chapter 10.4, Avian influenza
Minor changes were made to this chapter, and it was modified for
clarity.
6. Chapter 10.13, Newcastle disease
The text in this chapter was modified for clarity.
7. Chapter 11.6, Bovine spongiform encephalopathy
The text in this chapter was modified to remove the 30-month age
limit restriction so that deboned skeletal muscle can be freely traded
from all countries, regardless of BSE risk, and to allow countries to
source bone vertebrae for gelatin production from cattle 30 months of
age and younger from countries of either undetermined or controlled
risk.
8. Chapter 11.7, Bovine tuberculosis
A new chapter on bovine tuberculosis was adopted. It retains the
definition of a ``herd,'' which provides a country another means to
manage the disease in addition to the implementation of
compartmentalization.
9. Chapter 11.8, Bovine tuberculosis in farmed Cervidae
This is a new chapter that incorporates many of the recommendations
found in the bovine tuberculosis chapter.
10. Chapter 14.9, Scrapie
A new chapter was adopted and a few articles that address
surveillance were left as ``under study.''
11. Chapter 15.3, Classical swine fever
A new chapter was adopted.
OIE Terrestrial Animal Health Code Chapters and Appendices for Future
Review
Existing Terrestrial Animal Health Code chapters that may be
further revised and new chapters that may be drafted in preparation for
the next General Session in 2010 include the following:
1. Chapter 2.3.1, Bovine brucellosis
2. Chapter 7.x.x, The use of animals in research, testing, teaching
3. Chapter 8.1, Anthrax
4. Chapter 8.5, Foot and mouth disease
Changes may include the concept of compartmentalization.
5. Chapter 15.5, Swine vesicular disease
6. Chapter x.x.x, Communication
OIE Aquatic Animal Health Code Chapters and Appendices up for Adoption
Aquatic Animal Health Code chapters and appendices that have been
revised or that are new for adoption at the 2010 General Session
include:
1. Chapter 1.3.1, General obligations and Chapter 1.3.2, Certification
procedures
Certification procedures will be submitted for comment later in
2009.
2. Chapter x.x.x, Handling and disposal of carcasses and wastes of
aquatic animals
This newly proposed chapter is under further review by the OIE.
3. Chapter x.x.x, Infection with abalone herpes-like virus
This new chapter may be proposed for adoption in 2010.
OIE Aquatic Animal Commission Future Work Program
During the next few years, the OIE Aquatic Animal Commission may
address the following issues or establish ad hoc groups of experts to
update or develop standards for the following issues:
1. International transport of aquatic animal disease agents and
pathological materials.
2. Guidelines for aquatic animal surveillance.
The Process
The OIE Code chapters are drafted (or revised) by either the
Terrestrial or Aquatic Animal Health Standards Commission or by ad hoc
groups composed of technical experts nominated by the Director General
of the OIE by virtue of their subject-area expertise. Once a new
chapter is drafted or an existing one is revised, the chapter is
distributed to Member countries for review and comment. The OIE
attempts to provide proposed chapters by late October to allow Member
countries sufficient time for comment. Comments are due by late January
of the following year. The draft standard is revised by the OIE Code
Commission on the basis of relevant scientific comments received from
Member countries.
The United States (i.e., USDA/APHIS) intends to review, and where
appropriate, comment on all draft chapters and revisions once it
receives them from the OIE. USDA/APHIS intends to distribute these
drafts to the U.S. livestock and aquaculture industries, veterinary
experts in various U.S. academic institutions, other State and Federal
agencies, and other interested persons for review and comment.
Additional information regarding these draft standards may be obtained
by contacting Dr. Michael David (see FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT
above).
Generally, if a country has concerns with a particular draft
standard, and supports those concerns with sound technical information,
the pertinent OIE Code Commission will revise that standard accordingly
and present the revised draft for adoption at the General Session in
May. In the event that a country's concerns regarding a draft standard
are not taken into account, that country may refuse to support the
standard when it comes up for adoption at the General Session. However,
each Member country is obligated to review and comment on proposed
standards, and make decisions regarding the adoption of those
standards, strictly on their scientific merits.
Other OIE Topics
Every year at the General Session, at least one technical item is
presented. For the May 2010 General Session, the following technical
item will be presented:
1. The critical contribution of veterinary activities to the global
[[Page 61324]]
security of food derived from terrestrial and aquatic animals.
The information in this notice includes all the information
available to us on OIE standards currently under development or
consideration. Information on OIE standards is available on the
Internet at (http://www.oie.int). Further, a formal agenda for the next
General Session should be available to Member countries by March 2010,
and copies will be available to the public once the agenda is
published. For the most current information on meeting times, working
groups, and/or meeting agendas, including information on official U.S.
participation in OIE activities and U.S. positions on standards being
considered, contact Dr. Michael David (see FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
CONTACT above). Those wishing to provide comments on any areas of work
under the OIE may do so at any time by responding to this notice (see
ADDRESSES above) or by providing comments through Dr. Michael David.
IPPC Standard-Setting Activities
The IPPC is a multilateral convention adopted in 1952 for the
purpose of securing common and effective action to prevent the spread
and introduction of pests of plants and plant products and to promote
appropriate measures for their control. Under the IPPC, the
understanding of plant protection has been, and continues to be, broad,
encompassing the protection of both cultivated and noncultivated plants
from direct or indirect injury by plant pests. Activities addressed by
the IPPC include the development and establishment of international
plant health standards, the harmonization of phytosanitary activities
through emerging standards, the facilitation of the exchange of
official and scientific information among countries, and the furnishing
of technical assistance to developing countries that are signatories to
the IPPC.
The IPPC is under the authority of the Food and Agriculture
Organization (FAO), and the members of the Secretariat of the IPPC are
appointed by the FAO. The IPPC is implemented by national plant
protection organizations (NPPOs) in cooperation with regional plant
protection organizations (RPPOs); the Commission on Phytosanitary
Measures (formerly referred to as the International Commission on
Phytosanitary Measures); and the Secretariat of the IPPC. The United
States plays a major role in all standard-setting activities under the
IPPC and has representation on FAO's highest governing body, the FAO
Conference.
The United States became a contracting party to the IPPC in 1972
and has been actively involved in furthering the work of the IPPC ever
since. The IPPC was amended in 1979, and the amended version entered
into force in 1991 after two-thirds of the contracting countries
accepted the amendment. More recently, in 1997, contracting parties
completed negotiations on further amendments that were approved by the
FAO Conference and submitted to the parties for acceptance. This 1997
amendment updated phytosanitary concepts and formalized the standard-
setting structure within the IPPC. The 1997 amended version of the IPPC
entered into force after two-thirds of the contracting parties notified
the Director General of FAO of their acceptance of the amendment in
October 2005. The U.S. Senate gave its advice and consent to acceptance
of the newly revised IPPC on October 18, 2000. The President submitted
the official letter of acceptance to the FAO Director General on
October 4, 2001.
The IPPC has been, and continues to be, administered at the
national level by plant quarantine officials whose primary objective is
to safeguard plant resources from injurious pests. In the United
States, the national plant protection organization is APHIS' Plant
Protection and Quarantine (PPQ) program. The steps for developing a
standard under the IPPC are described below.
Step 1: Proposals for a new international standard for
phytosanitary measures (ISPM) or for the review or revision of an
existing ISPM are submitted to the Secretariat of the IPPC in a
standardized format on a 2-year cycle. Alternatively, the Secretariat
can propose a new standard or amendments to existing standards.
Step 2: After review by the Standards Committee and the Strategic
Planning and Technical Assistance Working Group, a summary of proposals
is submitted by the Secretariat to the CPM. The CPM identifies the
topics and priorities for standard setting from among the proposals
submitted to the Secretariat and others that may be raised by the CPM.
Step 3: Specifications for the standards identified as priorities
by the CPM are drafted by the Standards Committee. The draft
specifications are subsequently made available to members and RPPOs for
comment (60 days). Comments are submitted in writing to the
Secretariat. Taking into account the comments, the Standards Committee
finalizes the specifications.
Step 4: The standard is drafted or revised in accordance with the
specifications by a working group designated by the Standards
Committee. The resulting draft standard is submitted to the Standards
Committee for review.
Step 5: Draft standards approved by the Standards Committee are
distributed to members by the Secretariat and RPPOs for consultation
(100 days). Comments are submitted in writing to the Secretariat. Where
appropriate, the Standards Committee may establish open-ended
discussion groups as forums for further comment. The Secretariat
summarizes the comments and submits them to the Standards Committee.
Step 6: Taking into account the comments, the Secretariat, in
cooperation with the Standards Committee, revises the draft standard.
The Standards Committee submits the final version to the CPM for
adoption.
Step 7: The ISPM is established through formal adoption by the CPM
according to Rule X of the Rules of Procedure of the CPM.
Step 8: Review of the ISPM is completed by the specified date or
such other date as may be agreed upon by the CPM.
Each member country is represented on the CPM by a single delegate.
Although experts and advisors may accompany the delegate to meetings of
the CPM, only the delegate (or an authorized alternate) may represent
each member country in considering a standard up for approval. Parties
involved in a vote by the CPM are to make every effort to reach
agreement on all matters by consensus. Only after all efforts to reach
a consensus have been exhausted may a decision on a standard be passed
by a vote of two-thirds of delegates present and voting.
Technical experts from the United States have participated directly
in working groups and indirectly as reviewers of all IPPC draft
standards. The United States also has a representative on the Standards
Committee. In addition, documents and positions developed by APHIS and
NAPPO have been sources of significant input for many of the standards
adopted to date. This notice describes each of the IPPC standards
currently under consideration or up for adoption. The full text of each
standard will be available on the Internet at (http://www.aphis.usda.gov/import_export/plants/plant_exports/phyto_international_standards.shtml). Interested individuals may review the
standards posted on this Web site and submit comments via the Web site.
[[Page 61325]]
The next CPM meeting is scheduled for March 22-26, 2010, at FAO
Headquarters in Rome, Italy. The Deputy Administrator for APHIS' PPQ
program is the U.S. delegate to the CPM. The Deputy Administrator
intends to participate in the proceedings and will discuss or comment
on APHIS' position on any standards up for adoption. The agenda for the
Fifth Session of the Commission of Phytosanitary Measures is as
follows:
1. Opening of the session
2. Adoption of the agenda
3. Election of the Rapporteur
4. Report by the CPM chairperson
5. Report by the Secretariat
6. Report of the technical consultation among RPPOs
7. Report of observer organizations
8. Goal 1: A robust international standard-setting and
implementation program
8.1 Report by the chairperson of the Standards Committee
8.2 Adoption of international standards--under the regular process
8.3 Adoption of international standards--under the special-track
process
8.4 IPPC standard-setting work program (with proposed adjustments)
9. Goal 2: Information exchange systems appropriate to meet IPPC
obligations
9.1 Proposed work program for 2010
10. Goal 3: Effective dispute settlement systems
10.1 Report of the chairperson of the Subsidiary Body on Dispute
Settlement
11. Goal 4: Improved phytosanitary capacity of members
12. Goal 5: Sustainable implementation of the IPPC
12.1 Report of the fourth meeting of the Strategic Planning and
Technical Assistance group
12.2 IPPC/CPM activities
12.2.1 State of membership to the IPPC
12.2.2 Acceptance of documents in electronic format
12.3 Update to the Business Plan 2008-2011
12.4 Financial report and budget
12.4.1 Financial report 2009
12.4.2 Financial report 2009 for the Trust Fund for the IPPC
12.4.3 CPM Operational Plan for 2010
12.4.4 Budget 2010 for the Trust Fund for the IPPC
12.5 Proposal for the adoption of CPM recommendations
13. Goal 6: International promotion of the IPPC and cooperation
with relevant regional and international organizations
13.1 Report on the international promotion of the IPPC and
cooperation with relevant regional and international organizations
14. Goal 7: Review of the status of plant protection in the world
15. Election of the Bureau
16. Membership of CPM subsidiary bodies
17. Calendar
18. Other business
19. Date and venue of the next meeting
20. Adoption of the report
IPPC Standards Adopted at the CPM-4 Session in 2009
1. Amendments to ISPM No. 5 (Glossary of Phytosanitary Terms)
A. The following new terms and definitions have been adopted to the
Glossary of Phytosanitary Terms in ISPM No. 5:
Incidence (of a pest): Proportion or number of units in
which a pest is present in a sample, consignment, field or other
defined population.
Tolerance level (of a pest): Incidence of a pest specified
as a threshold for action to control that pest or to prevent its spread
or introduction.
Phytosanitary security (of a consignment): Maintenance of
the integrity of a consignment and prevention of its infestation and
contamination by regulated pests, through the application of
appropriate phytosanitary measures.
Corrective action plan (in an area): Documented plan of
phytosanitary actions to be implemented in an area officially delimited
for phytosanitary purposes if a pest is detected or a specified pest
level is exceeded or in the case of faulty implementation of officially
established procedures.
B. The following terms and definitions have been revised in the
Glossary:
Compliance procedure (for a consignment): Official
procedure used to verify that a consignment complies with phytosanitary
import requirements or phytosanitary measures related to transit.
Intended use: Declared purpose for which plants, plant
products, or other articles are imported, produced, or used.
Reference specimen: Specimen from a population of a
specific organism conserved and accessible for the purpose of
identification, verification, or comparison.
2. Draft Appendix to ISPM No. 5: Terminology of the Convention on
Biological Diversity (CBD) in Relation to the Glossary of Phytosanitary
Terms
Terms and definitions from the CBD are based on concepts different
from those of the IPPC so similar terms are given distinctly different
meanings. The CBD terms and definitions could not therefore be used
directly in the IPPC Glossary. It was decided instead to present these
terms and definitions in an Appendix to the Glossary, providing
explanations of how they differ from IPPC terminology.
The following CBD terms have been adopted to the Appendix to the
IPPC Glossary:
Alien species
Introduction
Invasive alien species
Establishment
Intentional introduction
Unintentional introduction
Risk analysis
3. Revision of ISPM No. 15 (Regulation of Wood Packaging Material in
International Trade)
ISPM No. 15 was adopted in 2002, and modifications to Annex 1 of
ISPM No. 15 were adopted by CPM-1 in 2006. The Technical Panel on
Forest Quarantine initiated the revision of the standard in 2006. Over
440 comments were received after country consultation. The Standards
Committee adjusted the draft and recommended it for adoption by the
CPM.
This standard describes phytosanitary measures that reduce the risk
of introduction and spread of quarantine pests associated with the
movement in international trade of wood packaging material made from
raw wood. Wood packaging material covered by this standard includes
dunnage but excludes wood packaging made from wood processed in such a
way that it is free from pests (e.g., plywood).
4. ISPM No. 32 (Categorization of Commodities According to Their Pest
Risk)
This new standard provides criteria for NPPOs of importing
countries on categorizing commodities according to their pest risk when
considering import requirements. This categorization should help in
identifying whether further risk analysis is required or not.
Contaminating pests or storage pests that may become associated with
the commodity after processing are not considered in this standard.
IPPC Standards Up for Adoption in 2010
It is expected that the following standards will be sufficiently
developed to be considered by the CPM for adoption at its 2010 meeting.
The United States, represented by the Deputy Administrator for APHIS'
PPQ program, will participate in consideration of these standards. The
U.S. position on each of these issues
[[Page 61326]]
will be developed prior to the CPM session and will be based on APHIS'
analysis, information from other U.S. Government agencies, and relevant
scientific information from interested stakeholders.
1. Pest-Free Potato (Solanum spp.) Micropropagative Material and
Minitubers for International Trade
This standard will provide guidance on the production, maintenance,
and phytosanitary certification of pest-free potato (Solanum tuberosum
and related tuber-forming spp.) micropropagative material and
minitubers intended for international trade. This standard does not
apply to field-grown propagative material of potato or to potatoes
intended for consumption or processing.
2. Annex to ISPM No. 26 (Establishment of Pest Free Areas for Fruit
Flies (Tephritidae))
This Annex provides detailed information regarding trapping under
different pest situations for different fruit fly species (Tephritidae)
of economic importance. The information in this Annex can be used by
NPPOs to aid them in developing fruit fly pest-free areas and fruit fly
areas of low pest prevalence in line with guidance provided in other
ISPMs. It describes the most widely used trapping systems including
materials such as traps and attractants, trapping densities, surveying
procedures, and procedures including evaluation, data recording, and
analysis.
New Standard-Setting Initiatives, Including Those in Development
A number of expert working group meetings or other technical
consultations will take place during 2009 and 2010 on the topics listed
below. These standard-setting initiatives are under development and may
be considered for future adoption. APHIS intends to participate
actively and fully in each of these working groups. The U.S. position
on each of the topics to be addressed by these various working groups
will be developed prior to these working group meetings and will be
based on APHIS' technical analysis, information from other U.S.
Government agencies, and relevant scientific information from
interested stakeholders.
1. Revision of ISPM Nos. 7 (Export certification system) and 12
(Guidelines for phytosanitary certificates)
Existing ISPM Nos. 7 and 12 have been reviewed for amendment to
provide specific guidance on their procedures, which cover technical,
legal, administrative, and operational aspects, including export issues
related to re-export and consignment in transit.
2. Design and operation of post-entry quarantine stations
This standard describes general guidelines for the design and
operation of post-entry quarantine stations that hold in quarantine
consignments of plants that may be infested with quarantine pests.
3. Amendment to ISPM No. 5 (Glossary of Phytosanitary Terms)
The Standards Committee, following recommendations by the Technical
Panel for the Glossary, is proposing deletion of the term and
definition of ``beneficial organism'' from ISPM No. 5. The current
definition in the Glossary for the term ``beneficial organism'' is:
``Any organism directly or indirectly advantageous to plants or plant
products, including biological control agents (ISPM No. 3, 2005).''
4. Diagnostic Protocol on Thrips palmi (redraft)
This diagnostic protocol, if adopted, will be incorporated as an
Annex to ISPM No. 27 (Diagnostic Protocols for Regulated Pests). This
Annex provides taxonomic information on Thrips palmi to allow for
morphological and molecular assay identifications of this pest in the
laboratory.
5. Cold treatments for Fruit Flies
The following cold treatments (CT) for fruit flies, if adopted,
will be annexed to ISPM No. 28 (Phytosanitary Treatments for Regulated
Pests):
CT of Citrus sinensis for Ceratitis capitata
CT of Citrus reticulata x Citrus sinensis for Ceratitis
capitata
CT of Citrus sinensis for Bactrocera tryoni
CT of Citrus reticulata x Citrus sinensis for Bactrocera
tryoni
CT of Citrus limon for Bactrocera tryoni
CT of Citrus paradisi for Ceratitis capitata
CT of Citrus reticulata cultivars and hybrids for
Ceratitis capitata
CT of Citrus limon for Ceratitis capitata
For more detailed information on the above topics, which will be
addressed by various working groups established by the CPM, contact Ms.
Julie E. Aliaga (see FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT above).
APHIS posts draft standards on the Internet (http://www.aphis.usda.gov/import_export/plants/plant_exports/phyto_international_standards.shtml) as they become available and provides
information on the due dates for comments. Additional information on
IPPC standards is available on the IPPC Web site at (http://www.ippc.int/IPP/En/default.htm). For the most current information on
official U.S. participation in IPPC activities, including U.S.
positions on standards being considered, contact Ms. Julie E. Aliaga
(see FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT above). Those wishing to provide
comments on any of the areas of work being undertaken by the IPPC may
do so at any time by responding to this notice (see ADDRESSES above) or
by providing comments through Ms. Aliaga.
NAPPO Standard-Setting Activities
NAPPO, a regional plant protection organization created in 1976
under the IPPC, coordinates the efforts among Canada, the United
States, and Mexico to protect their plant resources from the entry,
establishment, and spread of harmful plant pests, while facilitating
intra- and inter-regional trade. NAPPO conducts its business through
panels and annual meetings held among the three member countries. The
NAPPO Executive Committee charges individual panels with the
responsibility for drawing up proposals for NAPPO positions, policies,
and standards. These panels are made up of representatives from each
member country who have scientific expertise related to the policy or
standard being considered. Proposals drawn up by the individual panels
are circulated for review to Government and industry officials in
Canada, the United States, and Mexico, who may suggest revisions. In
the United States, draft standards are circulated to industry, States,
and various government agencies for consideration and comment. The
draft standards are posted on the Internet at (http://www.aphis.usda.gov/import_export/plants/plant_exports/phyto_international_standards.shtml). Once revisions are made, the proposal
is sent to the NAPPO Working Group and the NAPPO Standards Panel for
technical reviews, and then to the Executive Committee for final
approval, which is granted by consensus.
The annual NAPPO meeting is scheduled for October 19-23, 2009, in
Chicago, IL, USA. The NAPPO Executive Committee meeting will take place
on October 19, 2009, and a session will be held on October 20, 2009, to
solicit comments from industry groups so that suggestions can be
incorporated into the NAPPO workplan for the 2010 NAPPO year. The
Associate Deputy Administrator for PPQ is a member of the NAPPO
Executive Committee. The Associate Deputy Administrator intends
[[Page 61327]]
to participate in the proceedings and will discuss or comment on APHIS'
position on any standard up for adoption or any proposals to develop
new standards.
The work plan for 2009 was established after the October 2008
Annual Meeting in Guadalajara, Mexico. The Associate Deputy
Administrator for PPQ participated in establishing this NAPPO work plan
(see panel assignments below). Below is a summary of current panel
assignments as they relate to the ongoing development of NAPPO
standards. The United States (i.e., USDA/APHIS) intends to participate
actively and fully in the work of each of these panels. The U.S.
position on each topic will be guided and informed by the best
scientific information available on each of these topics. For each of
the following panels, the United States will consider its position on
any draft standard after it reviews a prepared draft. Information
regarding the following NAPPO panel topics, assignments, activities,
and updates on meeting times and locations may be obtained from the
NAPPO homepage at (http://www.nappo.org) or by contacting Ms. Julie E.
Aliaga (see FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT above).
1. Accreditation Panel
The panel revised RSPM No. 9 (The Accreditation of Laboratories for
Phytosanitary Testing) and developed a regional phytosanitary standard
on authorization to perform other phytosanitary procedures (e.g.,
inspection, testing, and treatments) entitled RSPM No. 28 (Guidelines
for Authorization).
2. Biological Control Panel
The panel is developing an Annex to RSPM No. 26 to describe the
certification process for non-Apis pollinators, including an approved
list of non-Apis pollinators in NAPPO countries. It is preparing a
discussion paper on the risk associated with the importation and
movements of honeybee-collected pollen, risk assessment, management
measures, and research needs.
3. Biotechnology Panel
The panel has organized a symposium for the 2009 NAPPO Annual
Meeting event. The topic of the symposium is ``Living Modified
Organisms and Plant Health.'' The panel is considering a proposal to
determine whether it is appropriate to revise RSPM No. 14 (Importation
and Release into the Environment of Transgenic Plants in NAPPO Member
Countries) at this time, with particular focus on pest risk analysis of
transgenic crops and the implications for importation of products with
different intended uses.
4. Citrus Panel
The panel convened a NAPPO workshop on citrus quarantine pests,
including citrus leprosis, citrus variegated chlorosis, and citrus
greening (Huanglongbing), in July 2009, and invited the participation
of regional and international experts to exchange the latest research
and regulatory information. The panel has developed a diagnostic
protocol for Huanglongbing.
5. Electronic Phytosanitary Certification Panel
The panel organized an international workshop to share information
on e-certification initiatives in different countries and regions of
the world. It continues the harmonization of systems development
towards a functioning e-certification capability for use among NAPPO
countries.
6. Forestry Panel
The panel has completed a NAPPO standard on preventing the entry of
Asian gypsy moth into North America, RSPM No. 33 (Guidelines for
Regulating the Movement of Ships and Cargo from Areas Infested with the
Asian Gypsy Moth). It has drafted a discussion paper assessing the risk
associated with imported wooden handicraft items and possible risk
management measures. The panel reviewed the risk and risk management
options for wood products imported into NAPPO countries and has drafted
a standard on the import of Christmas trees.
7. Fruit Panel
This panel has reviewed RSPM No. 17 (Guidelines for the
Establishment, Maintenance, and Verification of Fruit Fly Free Areas in
North America). They have established a technical advisory group to the
panel to develop a discussion paper that summarizes the distribution of
Rhagoletis spp. in the NAPPO region, their potential for establishment,
their host range, and other pertinent characteristics. The panel
completed a new draft standard, Guidelines for the Development of
Phytosanitary Treatment Protocols for Arthropod Pests of Fresh Fruits
and Vegetables. This draft will be circulated by panel members for
internal consideration by the NAPPO member countries. The final draft
will be submitted for country consultation.
8. Fruit Tree and Grapevine Panel
This panel, created by the merger of two existing panels, has
combined RSPM No. 25 (Guidelines for International Movement of Pome and
Stone Fruit Trees into a NAPPO Member Country) and RSPM No. 15
(Guidelines for the Importation of Grapevines into a NAPPO Member
Country) into one standard and is working on the Annexes to RSPM No.
25. The panel is developing a diagnostic protocol for the detection of
plum pox virus by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and is developing a
treatment protocol for methyl bromide fumigation of fruit trees to
contain the oriental fruit moth. The panel continues to provide
technical assistance to the National Clean Plant Network.
9. Grains Panel
The panel has finished reviewing RSPM No. 21 (Harmonized Procedure
for Morphologically Distinguishing Teliospores of Karnal Bunt, Ryegrass
Bunt and Rice Bunt) and continues to work on the review of RSPM No. 13
(Guidelines to Establish, Maintain and Verify Karnal Bunt Pest Free
Areas in North America).
10. Invasive Species Panel
The panel's technical advisory group continues to review comments
on RSPM No. 31(Pathways Risk Analysis). It has completed a position
paper describing NAPPO's role in invasive alien species, including the
documentation of relevant Federal legislative authority for the
regulation of aquatic plants in North America. The panel completed a
discussion paper on RSPM No. 32 (Pest Risk Assessment for Plants for
Planting as Quarantine Pests).
11. Pest Risk Analysis Panel
This panel has developed a NAPPO Pest Risk Analysis template and
supported the Forestry Panel in drafting RSPM No. 33. It has also
assisted the Invasive Species Technical Advisory Group in completing
RSPM No. 31.
12. Phytosanitary Alert System (PAS) Panel
The panel continues to post timely pest alerts on the NAPPO Web
site and is refining the official pest reporting process and content.
The panel conducted outreach, including the completion of a PAS
brochure and a survey of PAS subscribers.
13. Plants for Planting
The panel continues to work on solutions for the implementation of
RSPM No. 24 (Integrated Pest Risk Management Measures for the
[[Page 61328]]
Importation of Plants for Planting in NAPPO Member Countries). It
collaborated with the Accreditation Panel to finalize RSPM No. 28
(Guidelines for Authorization).
14. Potato Panel
This panel continues to revise RSPM No. 3 (Requirements for the
Importation of Potatoes into a NAPPO Member Country), including the
Annexes.
15. Seeds Panel
This newly reconstituted panel has developed a discussion paper
addressing problems related to the re-export of seeds and has developed
procedures to facilitate their re-export in the Americas, in
collaboration with the North American seed industry, the Seed
Association of the Americas, and Comit[eacute] de Sanidad Vegetal del
Cono Sur.
16. Standards Panel
The panel coordinated the review of new and amended NAPPO standards
and implementation plans; exchanged and discussed comments on draft
ISPMs within NAPPO and with other RPPOs to build consensus on draft
ISPMs and other IPPC-related issues, as appropriate; reviewed draft
RSPMs prepared by panels and made recommendations on their suitability
for adoption by the Executive Committee; and reviewed NAPPO position
papers and policy documents to verify current relevance.
The PPQ Associate Deputy Administrator, as the official U.S.
delegate to NAPPO, intends to participate in the adoption of these
regional plant health standards, including the work described above,
once they are completed and ready for such consideration.
The information in this notice contains all the information
available to us on NAPPO standards currently under development or
consideration. For updates on meeting times and for information on the
working panels that may become available following publication of this
notice, go to the NAPPO Web site on the Internet at (http://www.nappo.org) or contact Ms. Julie Aliaga (see FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
CONTACT above). Information on official U.S. participation in NAPPO
activities, including U.S. positions on standards being considered, may
also be obtained from Ms. Aliaga. Those wishing to provide comments on
any of the topics being addressed by any of the NAPPO panels may do so
at any time by responding to this notice (see ADDRESSES above) or by
transmitting comments through Ms. Aliaga.
Done in Washington, DC, this 18th day of November 2009.
Kevin Shea,
Acting Administrator, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.
[FR Doc. E9-28143 Filed 11-23-09: 8:17 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-34-S