Regulation of Invertebrate Biological Control Agents in Europe: Recommendations for a Harmonised Approach

There have been few reported negative effects associated with the import and release of non-native invertebrate biological control agents (IBCAs), yet this practice is subject to stringent regulation in a number of countries including the USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. The import and release of IBCAs in Europe is not regulated by an EU Directive, as is the case for microorganisms and semiochemicals. As a consequence, some European countries have regulatory systems, others do not, and among countries with regulation, there is no consistency in the information requirements that biocontrol companies must produce when seeking a licence to release non-native species. Against this background, the REBECA Action: 1. Produced a standardised Application Form for the licenced release of non-native IBCAs in Europe, together with an accompanying Guidance Document. 2. Recommended adoption of a step-wise testing procedure for the environmental risk assessment of insect, mite and nematode agents, and summarised methods to assess establishment, host range and dispersal. 3. Endorsed the reactivation and updating of the EPPO 'Positive List'. 4. Proposed the establishment of an Expert Group to provide advice on the first release in Europe of non-native IBCAs. This chapter reviews the scientific and political dimensions underlying these recommendations and proposals, and provides an update toward the objective of a harmonised regulatory framework for non-native IBCAs in Europe.