PLEASE NOTE - the development of new global measures for the avoidance of contamination of sea containers by invasive pests and cargoes will have a significant impact on international trade operational and reporting practices.
REFER:
UPDATE 14 - Update on recent developments
UPDATE 13 - Global Shippers Forum Update
UPDATE 12 - Commission on Phytosanitary Measures (CPM) Recommendations
UPDATE 11 - FTA/APSA Submission to the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC)
UPDATE 10 - Outcomes of the 2nd IPPC Workshop on Pest Risk Mitigation of Sea Containers
UPDATE 9 - Revised structure of sea containers
UPDATE 8 - IPPC CPM draft recommendation released
UPDATE 7 - Bi-lateral engagement with the World Shipping Council
UPDATE 6 - Conference - Sea Container Cleanliness (Brisbane)17 to 19 July 2023
UPDATE 5 - International Developments
UPDATE 4 - World Shipping Council Proposal
UPDATE 3 - Container Cleanliness Working Group and IPPC Brisbane Conference
UPDATE 2 - 'Safeguarding Continuum' and associated 'Custodial Responsibility'.
UPDATE 1 - Verified Pest Prevention (VPP) declarations
There have been several significant developments since the last Freight & Trade Alliance and Australian Peak Shippers Association (APSA) notice (UPDATE 14) on 23 August 2024.
The following developments include:
- Draft Regional Standard for Phytosanitary Measures (RSPM) – outlining proposed obligations for container cleanliness across participating economies.
- Pacific Strategy for Sea Containers – a regional initiative designed to strengthen coordination between National Plant Protection Organisations (NPPOs) in the Pacific to manage pest risks.
As part of this process, FTA/APSA today attended an information session hosted by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) in its capacity as Australia's NPPO. During this session, DAFF shared the following presentation, available HERE
Further detail including links to the Draft Regional Standard for Phytosanitary Measures (RSPM) and the Pacific Strategy for Sea Containers. are available HERE (FTA/ APSA MEMBER LOGIN REQUIRED)
FTA/APSA are actively engaged in these international discussions and will continue to represent members' interests.
Member feedback is critical. We seek your views on the Draft RSPM and the Pacific Strategy to ensure that industry concerns are communicated during consultations.
Please provide comments via email SMilici@FTAlliance.com.au by Close of Business 15 October 2025.