What is the primary purpose of conducting inspections at ports of entry?

The primary purpose of conducting inspections at ports of entry focuses on detecting and mitigating the risk of introducing invasive pests and diseases. This action is crucial for protecting domestic agriculture, natural resources, and ecosystems from harmful organisms that could be inadvertently brought in through imported goods, particularly plants and plant products.

Invasive pests and diseases can have devastating effects on local crops, leading to significant economic losses and disruptions to local ecosystems. By performing these inspections, officials can identify potential threats and take appropriate measures—such as preventing entry, destroying infested items, or imposing quarantine protocols—to safeguard public health and the integrity of agricultural industries.

While ensuring compliance with international trade agreements, inspecting cargo for contraband goods, and assessing the condition of imported plants are important activities carried out at ports of entry, they are secondary to the primary goal of biosecurity and protecting against harmful pests and diseases. The overarching aim is to prevent these invasive species from establishing themselves in new environments where they could proliferate and cause substantial harm.