TNAG-2110-FCO40-3009-Hong-Kong-participation-in-international-organisations-1990 — Page 8

REPORT ON EXPERT CONSULTATION ON PLANT QUARANTINE HARMONIZATION / P.3

acceptance and suitability. A series of standardized, internationally accepted tests for different situations would increase the security. However, it is anticipated that the arrival of such standardized tests will be a long going and time-consuming processes.

5.5

In order to implement procedures pertaining to tests and treatments, appropriate plant quarantine facilities must be established in each country. Such facilities may include post- harvest treatment units (e.g. fumigation chambers, vapour heat units, seed testing laboratories, insect rearing facilities, etc.)

5.6

International harmonization of plant quarantine procedures will result in a new set of requirements being "imposed" on all countries and in many instances this will require training in new procedures.

5.7

New standards and procedures will require documentation both from the point of view of:

i)

ii)

Exporting countries to ensure consistent and correct implementation by staff, and

Importing countries - as a basis for monitoring compliance to agreed procedures.

1

P.T.0.