The National Policy on Pest Freedom Programs and Pest Absence aligns with the International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures (ISPMs; specifically, ISPM 4, 8 and 10) that set globally accepted criteria for demonstrating pest freedom and absence. The focus of the policy is to:
- provide a framework for establishing pest free areas (PFAs), pest free places of production (PFPPs) and pest free production sites (PFPSs), as well as for determining areas of pest absence (APA)
- support safe trade by demonstrating that specific plant pests or diseases are absent from defined locations, allowing plant goods to be moved without additional phytosanitary measures.
An APA may apply to the entire country or part of the country where a pest is not present. An APA may be appropriate where the risk of pest introduction is minimal and is supported by surveillance and pest records demonstrating pest absence. A pest freedom program (a collective term that refers to PFA, PFPP and PFPS) is a subset of an APA and incorporates additional, defined and ongoing requirements, providing stronger assurance of pest freedom than an APA alone. The table below summarises key differences between pest freedom programs and an APA.
| Feature | PFA | PFPP/PFPS | APA |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size/scale | A region, state or part of a state | PFPP: A farm, orchard or facility, or a collection of these operated as a single unit PFPS: a defined part of a place of production, that is managed as a separate unit | May apply to the whole country or part of the country |
| Duration | Typically established and maintained over the long term (often across multiple growing seasons) | Maintained for a defined period and can be applied for one or more growing seasons | Applies while reliable information supports pest absence |
| Management | Actively managed and officially maintained. Government typically leads management activities in collaboration with industry | Actively managed and officially maintained. Industry and growers typically lead management activities in collaboration with government | Governments are responsible for demonstrating pest absence and this should be regularly reviewed |
| Outbreak response | Where outbreak criteria are met for the target pest, the PFA may be suspended. Reinstatement of the PFA will occur once agreed criteria for lifting the suspension have been met | Where the specified pest is detected in a PFPP/PFPS, pest free status will be withdrawn until re-establishment conditions are met | Detection of the specified pest may result in withdrawal of pest absence claims, and further measures or a pest freedom program may be required to continue demonstrating pest absence. |
What is a pest freedom program and when does it apply?
A pest freedom program is an evidence-based approach used when there is a need to demonstrate that a defined area, place of production or production site is free from a specific pest, in order to support trade or manage biosecurity risk.
The term ‘pest freedom program’ refers collectively to PFA, PFPP and PFPS. Program suitability is determined by the size of the location where the pest is being excluded and how the program is being implemented. Strong engagement and collaboration between government, industry and businesses support the successful implementation of pest freedom programs.
A pest freedom program involves a combination of the following measures:
- risk assessment
- movement restrictions and other phytosanitary measures to prevent pest introduction
- surveillance and diagnostic testing
- verification, auditing and record keeping
- corrective action plans for detections, incursions and outbreaks
- communication and community awareness activities
- regular program review.
Contact your relevant state or territory government agency to discuss domestic trade requirements, or the department to understand international trade requirements in relation to pest freedom programs.
How does pest freedom and pest absence protect Australia’s plant biosecurity and facilitate trade?
Plant pests and diseases can disrupt Australia’s agricultural industries, damage the environment and limit access to domestic and international markets. Authorities in importing countries often require assurance that specific plant pests or diseases are not present in the areas where plants are grown or produced to allow phytosanitary free trade to occur. Pest freedom programs and areas of pest absence can provide that assurance.
Where pest freedom or pest absence can be demonstrated, plant goods may be exported without additional phytosanitary measures. This helps maintain market access while reducing unnecessary regulatory burden on growers and exporters.
Read the policy
National Policy on Pest Freedom Programs and Pest Absence
If you have difficulty accessing these files, contact us for help.
Supporting information and important links
- ISPM 4 Requirements for the establishment of pest free areas
- ISPM 8 Determination of pest status in an area
- ISPM 10 Requirements for the establishment of pest free places of production and pest free production sites
- Official Control of Plant Quarantine Pests: National Policy 2025
- National Policy on Regulated Non-Quarantine Pests
General enquiries
Email us at Nationalpestpolicy@aff.gov.au for further information.