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, although we are currently seeking clarification from Natural England/Natural Resources Wales whether we will be permitted to transport animals to a vets or other licensed establishment for euthanasia.
The regulations also require that any establishments 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.