APQA is responsible for pest risk analysis which evaluates the level of risk and establishes measures to reduce the risk, in order to prevent economic loss which may incur on agricultural crops and natural environment once such pests are introduced into Korea from overseas. (Article 6 of Plant Protection Act)
APQA conducts pest risk assessment in accordance with regulations of Plant Protection Act in the following cases and classifies pest risk analysis pertaining to the market access of import prohibited plants as import risk analysis (IRA). (Plant Quarantine Notification No.: 2009-30, Plant Quarantine Notification No.: 2009-28, and Plant Quarantine Notification No.: 2009-31):
(1) In case regulated pests are designated or revised;
(2) In case import prohibited plants, regions or pests are determined or revised;
(3) In case a request for import permission of import prohibited plants or revision of conditions for import permission has been made;
(4) In case one has to determine import permission of pests excluded from prohibited items; and
(5) In case it is deemed necessary by Director General of APQA to revise scientific standards for quarantine or management methods.
Pest risk analysis (PRA) is generally divided into and carried out in 3 different stages. In some cases, pest risk analysis of the only necessary stage may be conducted. (Article 8 of Enforcement Regulations; Plant Quarantine Notification No.: 2009-30)
(1) Confirm pests: Check the pest distribution in Korea and the pest risk analysis carried out in the past, and determine whether a pest is subject to PRA.
(2) Pest risk assessment: Evaluate the level of risk such as the economic loss which may incur on agricultural crops and natural environment upon introduction of a pest, and determine whether it is a regulated pest. (evaluate the possibility of entry, distribution and spread, as well as the economic importance.)
(3) Pest risk management: One may select measures against regulated pests such as treatment, destruction, return or import prohibition or revise inspection method.