The first queen bees to arrive in Australia in seven years are expected to bring significant benefits and risks to the bee industry.

Ten queens are awaiting clearance from Canada, which has Varroa mite, a blood sucking parasite in all major honey harvesting countries except Australia, and which is rated as one of the nation's greatest biosecurity threats.

Credit:Georgia Willis

The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry says introducing new bee genetics will improve production of hives and build resistance against dangerous pests and diseases.

Assistant secretary in the animal division Andrew Cupit says the bees will be taken from Sydney Airport to Eastern Creek's quarantine facility to be screened for pests and diseases.