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Information on invasive alien species
Invasive alien species are plants, animals, fungi and microorganisms that have been intentionally or unintentionally moved to a new environment and where they spread rapidly and cause damage to nature. It can be plants that overtake other plants or are poisonous, animals that eat or compete with other animal species or that spread diseases.
Alien species, animals and plants, enter the country through imports or indirectly as free passengers in goods and transport. Once they find their way to a new area they can end up in nature in different ways. Some of them become invasive species and have a negative effect on biological diversity.
Prohibition of EU listed species
Species included in the EU list of invasive alien species may not be imported, sold, grown, bred, transported, used, exchanged, released and kept alive.
How to prevent the spread
You only have a statutory obligation to prevent the spread of the EU-listed species. But the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency encourages everyone to contribute to the work of stopping the introduction and spread of other invasive alien species as well. Here are some examples of what you can do to prevent it from spreading:
- Do not bring seeds or seedlings into Sweden
- If you are going to buy or give away, choose plants that do not become invasive species.
- Those who travel to or from sensitive natural environments in other countries can protect the animal and plant life by ensuring that luggage, clothing and equipment do not carry seeds, plant debris or insects.
- Do not dispose of plant waste in nature - it is considered littering and is illegal.
- Keep track of which plants you buy and give away.
If you travel to artic areas
Our increasingly warmer climate means that more and more species can survive in the wild. This is especially true in our mountain environments where new species spread further north and ever higher up in the mountains due to a warmer climate.
Therefore, we must be more careful than ever so that we don’t accidentally bring alien species when traveling from other countries. And of course, you should refrain from intentionally bringing alien species home.
How to report the presence of invasive species
If you find what you suspect is an invasive alien species, it is very helpful if you report it.
The role of the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency
Guidance, national coordination and responsible authority
The Swedish Environmental Protection Agency and the Swedish Maritime Administration (HaV) are the nationally responsible authorities for invasive alien species and guides in the application of regulations, laws and regulations.
The Swedish rules that supplement the EU regulation mean, among other things, that responsible authorities can gain access to private land to carry out control measures, and that what is prohibited under EU law is punishable.
Since 1 August 2018, there are Swedish rules that supplement the EU regulation. They mean, among other things, that responsible authorities can gain access to private land to carry out control measures, and that what is already prohibited under EU law is punishable.
The County Administrative Board is the authority responsible for combating invasive alien species, and which within its county is responsible for supervision so that the rules are complied with. The County Administrative Board can delegate responsibility to a municipality.
Management measures for widely listed EU-listed species
The Swedish Environmental Protection Agency and HaV are responsible for developing management measures that will apply to the EU-listed species that are judged to be widespread.
Examination of permit applications
The Swedish Environmental Protection Agency is the responsible review authority for permit applications regarding invasive alien species on land. Permits can only be granted to activities to conduct research on invasive alien species or to ex situ conservation of such species.
