This legislation transposes EU Invasive Alien Species (IAS) Regulation (1143/2014) which came into force on 1 January 2015. The Regulation imposes strict restrictions on a list of species known as ‘species of Union concern’. These are species whose potential adverse impacts across the European Union are such that concerted action across Europe is required to manage their impact.
Currently, 30 animal species are listed as ‘Invasive Alien Species’, published in three Commission Implementing Regulations: 2016/1141, 2017/1263 and 2019/1262.
In March 2019, legislation was also published that would implement the EU legislation into UK law, so that the restrictions on the listed species will continue to apply after Brexit. The Invasive Species (Enforcement and Permitting) Order 2019 came into force on 1st December 2019. The new regulations make it an offence to keep, breed or release these animals and as a result. revokes the licences that RSPCA and others hold in England to rehabilitate and release grey squirrels and muntjac deer. As licences for such releases have never been available in Wales, the situation for these species in Wales remains unchanged. The transport of these animals is also prohibited under the new regulation.
However, transporting a species of special concern (SoSC) to an animal rescue centre or veterinary practice by a member of the public (or anyone else) does not require a licence. Once the animal arrives at its destination and is not euthanised, the recipient has six weeks to apply for a licence if they wish to keep the animal. More information about SoSC can be found here: Invasive non-native (alien) animal species: rules in England and Wales – GOV.UK
The regulations require that any establishment keeping listed species are licensed by Natural England or Natural Resources Wales; further details of the new licence to move and keep invasive alien species are available here for England and here for Wales.