Economic issues related to quarantine in international trade

Invasive organisms are an environmental threat imposing major economic impacts on agriculture, human health, and the value of the natural environment. Significant efforts have been put into quarantine to prevent, detect and control invasive organisms and food contaminants. The increasing volumes and speed of international trade create greater challenges from introduced organisms, although technological changes in prevention, detection and eradication have helped to reduce some threats. There are important issues of risk and responsibility, the appropriate level of protection, opportunities and barriers for trade, preservation of resources for future generations, and the effectiveness, efficiency and fairness of quarantine approaches.