Agricultural imports in a changing world for disease risk management through the application of international standards and their economic and food security implications

The expansion of global trade has generated substantial economic and social benefits; however, it has also intensified the transboundary movement of pests, pathogens and invasive species. These biosecurity threats pose significant challenges to the international trade of animals and animal products, plants and plant products, while creating heightened risks for importing countries. This review aims to examine the role of agricultural imports in the introduction and spread of pests and diseases, assess the associated biosecurity risks and evaluate existing management and regulatory approaches. A comprehensive literature review was conducted using Google Scholar, Web of Science, Scopus and relevant grey literature to identify and synthesize studies addressing trade-related disease and pest introduction, risk assessment frameworks and the implementation of sanitary and phytosanitary measures. The findings indicate that effective enforcement of biosecurity and control measures is critical for preventing the entry and establishment of harmful organisms. Disease and pest management guidelines, border control measures, including import inspection and quarantine mechanisms were consistently associated with improved protection against biological threats associated with agricultural imports and reduced risks to domestic agriculture. The review further indicates that stringent and appropriately implemented biosecurity measures can strengthen compliance with international standards and reduce the likelihood of pest and disease introduction through agricultural trade. A coordinated, evidence-based approach that integrates SPS measures with effective border controls and appropriate risk-management strategies is essential for minimizing biosecurity risks, safeguarding biodiversity and strengthening global food security in the context of expanding international trade.