An exotic species is a plant, animal or other organism that does not occur naturally in the Netherlands. If a species is harmful to nature we call them invasive exotic species. Invasive exotic species arrive in the Netherlands as a result of, inentional or unintentional, human activity. Some exotic species feel perfectly at home in their new environment. They establish themselves in our environment and can multiply rapidly. The damage caused by invasive exotic species is a European problem. To tackle this problem as effectively as possible, a European regulation has been drafted. Since August 3, 2016, there is a European ban on possession, trade, cultivation, transport and import of harmful exotic plants and animals.