Secretary of State Rummenie (LVVN): ''Invasive species are harmful to the diversity of our nature. They displace native species and must therefore be addressed before they spread further. This step by the EU helps with that.''

With the addition to the Union List, it is now prohibited to keep, trade, breed, transport, or import these species. Reproduction and distribution must also be prevented. This concerns 18 animal and 8 plant species that can be found on the website of the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA).

Existing pets may be kept until their natural death, but may not be sold, released, or breed. Animals may be transferred to a shelter if the owner can no longer care for them. The recorded plants may still remain in gardens or ponds, provided they do not spread. Selling or giving away is not allowed.

Traders may sell existing stocks until August 7, 2026. For the American mink and the Canadian beaver, the new rules apply from August 7, 2027. The NVWA supervises compliance with the rules. More information about control and enforcement can be found on the website of the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO).

The expansion of the Union List is part of EU Regulation 1143/2014. This regulation governs the management of invasive species in Europe. Many of these species have entered Europe through human activities, for example, via the trade in ornamental plants or through unintentional import. With the expansion, the EU aims to prevent further damage to nature and biodiversity.