More stringent regulations on invasive alien species
Published:
The Riksdag voted in favour of the Government’s proposals on more stringent regulations on invasive alien species.
The legislative proposals mean, among other things, that a person who deliberately or through gross negligence brings an invasive alien species to Sweden from another EU country may be sentenced to a fine or to imprisonment of a maximum of two years.
The proposal also means that a person who brings in invasive alien species from another EU country will be obliged to report the species to Swedish Customs. Swedish Customs will also have the authority to check the import of alien species at internal borders and, if needed, to seize such species.
Invasive alien species are species of animals, plants, fungi or microorganisms that are imported and released into the natural environment and that have consequences, for example, for native plants, animals, human health or society.
The amendments will come into force on 1 May 2026.
The Riksdag also rejected approximately 200 proposals in motions from the general private members’ motions period 2025, primarily with reference to already taken measures. The proposals concern, for example, invasive alien species, site protection, species protection, sanitation and shoreline protection.
Committee report (In Swedish):
Skärpningar av regelverket för invasiva främmande arter och naturvård (MJU13)