The governing body of the IPPC is the Commission on Phytosanitary Measures (CPM). The CPM has adopted a number of International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures (ISPMs) that provide guidance to countries and assist contracting parties in meeting the aims of the convention. The IPPC is recognized by the World Trade Organization as the relevant international standard setting body for plant health. Application of ISPMs is not mandatory; however under the WTO-SPS Agreement (see 2.5) phytosanitary measures based on international standards do not need additional scientific or technical justification.

ISPM No. 11 (IPPC, 2004) describes the factors to consider when conducting a pest risk analysis (PRA) to determine if a pest is a quarantine pest. The main text of the standard (indicated with “S2” throughout the text) and particularly Annex 3 of this ISPM includes guidance on conducting PRA on LMOs.

In order to increase member countries' capacity to conduct pest risk analysis, the IPPC has developed a training course and training materials.