Permit for research or ex-situ conservation
Activities involving invasive alien species require permits.
To conduct research on, or ex-situ (off-site) conservation of, invasive alien species of Union concern under EU Regulation (EU) No 1143/2014, a permit from the competent authority is required under Article 8. Permits may also be issued for scientific production and subsequent medical use of these species.
In exceptional cases, Member States may also issue permits based on reasons of compelling public interest, including social and economic considerations, according to Article 9.
The Swedish Environmental Protection Agency is the competent authority for examining permit applications regarding invasive alien species on land.
The Swedish Agency for Marine and Water Management is the competent authority for examining permit applications regarding invasive alien species in water.
Permit application
To obtain a permit, the species need to be kept in and handled in contained holding and the activities need to comply with the terms and conditions in Articles 8.2 and 8.3, Regulation (EU) No 1143/2014. The applicant is to provide all the information necessary for the competent authority to assess whether the conditions are met.
Link to Regulation (EU) No 1143/2014
The application form states what is to be included in the form.
Application form, Article 8 (Word 57 kB)
Annex application form, Article 8 (pdf 132 kB)
Processing of the application
Processing of the application begins only after a complete application has been submitted. If necessary, the authority may request additional information. Activities may not begin until a permit has been granted.
Information on a permit decision is communicated to the applicant and made public as soon as possible following a decision on the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency’s website.
The permit is to accompany the invasive alien species in question at all times when these species are brought in from third countries or transported within the European Union. Without a permit, a species may not be brought into Sweden.
Any appeal is submitted to the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency. After a judicial review, it is sent to the Land and Environment Court.
Permits under Article 9
A permit application under Article 9 is subject to the approval of the European Commission. The application is submitted to the Swedish Agency for Marine and Water Management (species in water) or the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency (species on land), which then sends the application to the European Commission.
Within 60 days of receipt of an application, the European Commission is to return with a decision on possible approval. The Swedish Agency for Marine and Water Management or the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency may then issue the permit referred to under Article 9.
Contact
If you have questions regarding the application, contact the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency’s customer service.