Sweden

The purpose of the proposal is to prevent the entry, release and dispersal of invasive alien species that have or may have adverse impacts on biological diversity, which is consistent with Sweden’s duty as a party to the Convention on Biological Diversity Article 8 (h). The species covered by the national list are specified in the annex to the proposed regulation. Only live specimens, or parts that might survive and subsequently reproduce, are covered. The measures are based on risk assessments carried out for each species. These assessments are based on the criteria established in Regulation (EU) No 1143/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 22 October 2014 on the prevention and management of the introduction and spread of invasive alien species. The criteria for the risk assessment are, in turn, based on the requirements set out in the WTO Agreement. Measures: According to Chapter 3, Section 1, of the proposed new ordinance, the following general rule applies: It will be prohibited to intentionally: introduce the relevant species into the country, keep or breed the species, even in closed containment, transport the species, except to facilities in connection with eradication, release the species on the market, use or exchange the species, allow the species to reproduce, grow, or be cultivated, even in closed containment, or release the species into the environment. Trade facilitating exemptions: Exceptions to these prohibitions apply in the cases specified in Chapter 3, Sections 2–9.