Aspects about the introduction of quarantine xylophagous pests in Brazil: optimization of the inspection and preventive process

Abstract

The introduction of xylophagous organisms into new environments can occur through international trade, using wood in packaging and merchandise supports. This situation culminated in extensive economic losses as these xylophages established populations, becoming pests of productive forest systems and wood products. To prevent this situation, technical and legal regulations were implemented to regulate international trade, creating rules for the usage of wood in packaging and the inspection of customs areas. Therefore, this work aims to evaluate aspects associated with this situation, pointing out characteristics, flaws and suggestions for optimizing regulatory and inspection procedures. Improvements to issues related to the management of inspection bodies and technical improvements to onsite inspections in customs areas were highlighted. It was noted that there is a need to adopt more efficient wood treatments to combat xylophages, prevent the circulation of wood with the presence of bark, and investigate and hold responsible those who use wood that was not adequately treated, or wood whose treatment was improper. The need to establish institutional efforts for the adequate regulation of quarantine xylophagous pests and the need to increase investments in the composition of a technical body appropriate to inspection activities in customs áreas were determined.