COUNCIL REGULATION (EC) No 708/2007 (https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A32007R0708&…) of 11 June 2007 concerning use of alien and locally absent species in aquaculture provides a framework to ensure the protection of the aquatic environment from the risks associated with the farming of such species. It regulates their movements in the EU, covering all aquatic species and production types, and there are special rules for closed aquaculture facilities, as well as exemption for species listed in Annex IV.
Aquaculture operators must apply for a permit for the introduction of an alien species or translocation of a locally absent species from a relevant administrative body in the EU Member State (“a competent authority”). The applicant must submit a dossier following the indicative guidelines specified in Annex I. An advisory committee will assess whether the application contains all the necessary information and establish its admissibility and the potential risks. The committee will then relay its opinion to the competent authority, which will decide whether to issue or deny the permit in accordance with the established procedure.