Key data
| Regulation | Order TED/1096/2026, of October 6 |
|---|---|
| Publication | October 19, 2026 |
| Entry into force | October 19, 2026 |
| Affected parties | Farmers, aquaculturists, gardeners, wildlife and flora traders, and Regional Governments |
| Category | Regulatory Changes |
| Year | 2026 |
| Modified regulations | Royal Decree 139/2011 (List of Wild Species under Special Protection and Spanish Catalog of Threatened Species) and Royal Decree 630/2013 (Spanish Catalog of Invasive Exotic Species) |
If you work with ornamental plants, trade in wildlife, manage crops or have aquaculture activity, this regulation affects you as of today. The Order TED/1096/2026 updates two key biodiversity catalogs with immediate effect: the Spanish Catalog of Threatened Species and the Spanish Catalog of Invasive Exotic Species. There is no published transition period: the prohibition or restriction on import and possession of new invasive species is effective from its publication in the BOE.
What does this regulation establish?
Order TED/1096/2026 modifies the annexes of two existing royal decrees. The changes are organized in three blocks:
Block 1: New species in the Spanish Catalog of Threatened Species
| Group | Category | Number of species |
|---|---|---|
| Bumblebees | In danger of extinction | 4 species |
| Fish | In danger of extinction | 1 species |
| Other species | Vulnerable | 3 species |
Block 2: New species in the List of Special Protection
They are incorporated by European and international obligations:
- 1 butterfly species
- 3 moss and flora species
Block 3: New species in the Spanish Catalog of Invasive Exotic Species
| Group | Number of taxa added |
|---|---|
| Ants | 2 taxa |
| Plants | 5 taxa |
Additionally, the prohibition of the family Colubridae (colubrid snakes) is extended to the entire Balearic archipelago, extending it beyond the territories where it was already in force.
Inclusion in the Catalog of Invasive Exotic Species entails, as a general rule, the prohibition of import, possession, transport, trafficking and trade of the affected species, except for expressly authorized exceptions.
Economic and operational impact
The impact is not abstract: there are specific economic activities that must change.
- Trade in ornamental plants and import: The 5 new invasive plants may be species used in gardening, landscaping or horticultural trade. Their inclusion in the catalog means that importing, selling or possessing them without authorization may constitute an administrative violation.
- Beekeeping and agricultural pollination sector: The inclusion of 4 bumblebees in danger of extinction may affect companies working with pollinators in greenhouses or crops, which must verify the origin and species of the specimens they use.
- Aquaculture: The inclusion of a fish in danger of extinction may affect fish farms or companies working with that species, both in capture and breeding.
- Reptile trade (Balearics): The extension of the Colubridae prohibition to the entire Balearic archipelago directly affects pet shops, breeders and individuals who own or trade these snakes on the islands.
- Pest management with invasive ants: The 2 new invasive ants added may be relevant for pest control companies and agricultural operations that detect their presence, with notification obligations to the Regional Governments.
Who does it affect?
- Farmers and agricultural operations: Due to the use of pollinators (bumblebees) and the possible presence of invasive ants in their crops.
- Gardening companies, nurseries and horticultural trade: Due to the 5 new invasive plants whose import and trade may be restricted.
- Aquaculturists and fish farms: Due to the new fish species in danger of extinction.
- Wildlife and flora traders (pet shops, breeders, importers): Due to new restrictions on ants, Colubridae snakes in the Balearics and other species.
- Pest control companies: Due to the management of new invasive ants cataloged.
- Regional Governments: As competent authorities in the management and control of these species in their territories.
- Landscaping and environmental restoration companies: Due to the use of flora and mosses now protected.
Practical example
A nursery that regularly imports ornamental plants from third countries must immediately review whether any of the 5 new plants added to the Catalog of Invasive Exotic Species are part of its product catalog. If any of them are in stock or in orders in transit, import, sale or even possession may already be prohibited as of October 19, 2026. The correct procedure is: identify the affected species, halt any commercial operations with them and consult with the competent environmental authority of your Regional Government on how to proceed with existing stock.
Similarly, a pet shop in Mallorca that has specimens of the Colubridae family for sale must verify whether the extension of the prohibition to the entire Balearic archipelago requires it to cease that commercial activity immediately.
What should companies do now?
- Identify if you work with any of the affected species: Review your product catalog, suppliers and activities against the updated lists of the BOE. The categories to review are: ornamental or gardening plants, bumblebees for pollination, fish in aquaculture, reptiles of the Colubridae family (especially in the Balearics) and ants in the context of pest control.
- Halt imports or purchases in progress of newly cataloged species: Entry into force is immediate (19/10/2026). Do not wait for the order to arrive to act.
- Consult with your Regional Government: The Regional Governments are the competent authorities to manage exceptions, authorizations and the treatment of existing stock of now-prohibited species.
- Review contracts with suppliers: If you have supply contracts for species that are now restricted, analyze force majeure or regulatory change clauses to manage the commercial relationship.
- Train your team: Purchasing, logistics and sales staff must be aware of new restrictions to avoid unintentional violations.
- Document any pre-existing possession: If you already had specimens of species now cataloged as invasive, document the situation and consult the regime applicable to stocks prior to entry into force.
Frequently asked questions
What specific species are added to the Catalog of Invasive Exotic Species in 2026?
Order TED/1096/2026 adds 7 taxa: 2 ant species and 5 plant species. The regulation does not detail the scientific names in the published summary, so to know the exact denomination of each taxon it is necessary to consult the full text in the BOE (BOE-A-2026-21770).
What does it mean for a plant or animal to be in the Catalog of Invasive Exotic Species?
Inclusion in this catalog entails, as a general rule, the prohibition of import, possession, transport, trafficking and trade of those species in Spain. There may be exceptions authorized by the competent authorities, but the general rule is prohibition from the date of entry into force: October 19, 2026.
Does the Colubridae prohibition in the Balearics affect individuals or only companies?
The extension of the Colubridae family prohibition to the entire Balearic archipelago affects both companies (pet shops, breeders, importers) and individuals who own specimens of these snakes. If you own or trade Colubridae in the Balearics, you must consult with the regional environmental authority about the regime applicable to specimens already in your possession.
When does this regulation enter into force and is there an adaptation period?
Order TED/1096/2026 entered into force on the same day as its publication in the BOE: October 19, 2026. No transition period for adaptation has been published in the available information, so the restrictions are applicable from that date.
What should I do if I already have in stock plants or animals that are now cataloged invasive species?
You must document the situation (date of acquisition, quantity, origin) and contact the competent environmental authority of your Regional Government to learn the specific regime applicable to pre-existing stock. Do not sell or move those specimens until you have clarity on the legal treatment, as any commercial operation after entry into force may constitute a violation.
Official source
Consult complete regulation in official source
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific decisions, consult a qualified professional. Source: https://www.boe.es/diario_boe/txt.php?id=BOE-A-2026-21770
