Guidelines for traps in Sweden

The Swedish EPA is the agency that grants type approval for traps in Sweden. In order to be approved, it is vital that the trap:

• does not subject wild animals to unnecessary suffering;
• is safe for humans and property; and
• to the extent possible, only captures the species the trap is intended for.

Swedish hunting laws make no distinction between wild animals that cause harm and other wild animals. All hunting must be done in such a way that no wild animals are subjected to unnecessary suffering. The same is true for hunting using traps.

There are two main types of approved traps: 

• Killing traps where an animal is captured and killed instantaneously
• Live traps where an animal is captured either by being trapped in a cage or net, or being caught in a snare

A list of approved traps is available below.

The Swedish EPA has issued a regulation containing clear criteria for trap type approval. The regulation specifies the criteria the trap must meet so that no wild animals are subjected to unnecessary suffering and that the trap is safe for humans and property.

Anyone applying for trap type approval must cover the cost of the required tests. The tests are not performed by the Swedish EPA; instead the applicant is free to choose who will conduct the tests. Nor do the tests need to be conducted in Sweden. It is, however, important that the tests are conducted in compliance with the Swedish EPA’s regulation on trap type approval. 

Swedish EPA’s regulation on trap type approval (NFS 2013:13)

Applications for trap type approval are to be submitted to the Swedish EPA by email. We have prepared a specific application form indicating which information must be included. Provided that the application is complete, the normal processing time is about 6–8 weeks.

Application form and instructions on how to apply

There is a regulation on how to use traps. This includes how often traps is to be emptied and how it is to be labelled. The Swedish EPA’s regulation on the use of traps went into effect on 1 August 2018. This regulation replaced the previous conditions for use set out in separate type approval decisions. One of the purposes of the regulation is to further clarify the criteria for use. 

NFS 2018:3 Regulation on the use of traps

The Swedish EPA has the right to reverse past type approval decisions based on this regulation if it discovered that use of the trap is subjecting wild animals to unnecessary suffering, if the trap is not sufficiently selective or if humans or property are endangered.

Agreements exist between the EU, Canada and Russia (Agreement on International Humane Trapping Standards, AIHTS) containing rules for trapping methods that do not cause unnecessary suffering. Applications for type approval for traps that is tested according to the AIHTS and that is approved in Canada or Russia are to be submitted to the Swedish EPA. 

Applications are reviewed based on the criteria that apply in the AIHTS. Please note that only certain species are covered by the AIHTS. 

The AIHTS on the EUR-Lex website (pdf) 

The Hunting Ordinance contains a provision that facilitates the use of traps that has already been subject to approval in another EU country, Turkey or an EFTA country that has signed the EES agreement. Under this rule, traps that has already been approved by one of these countries does not need to be further tested and approved in Sweden. To be permitted for use in Sweden, however, the trap must meet an animal protection and safety standard similar to the Swedish standard. Traps must also be registered with the Swedish EPA before it can be used as described above. If the registered trap does not meet the Swedish animal protection and safety standards, its use may be prohibited.

Those wishing to register traps with the Swedish EPA are to do so via email. The application is to include the name of the trap as well as an approval document from an authorised national agency in one of the countries as specified above. Photos and drawings of the trap are also welcome and, where applicable, documentation of tests conducted. There is no charge to register traps.

Register traps with

registrator@naturvardsverket.se

When you build a trap it is important to follow the drawings, material and design specifications that have been approved by the Swedish EPA. Failure to do so could cause suffering to animals or jeopardise human safety. Changes may also result in the trap trapping other animals than those it is intended for. If you do not follow the specifications there is also a risk that the trap will not be covered by the original type approval and that it will therefore not be permitted for use when hunting. 

Those building traps themselves are responsible for ensuring that it is done in accordance with the existing type approval and that no additional permit is required from the Swedish EPA before the trap can be used.

Some traps may be covered by a patent or registered design protection. For more information on what applies in this case, see the website of the Swedish Patent and Registration Office.

Swedish Patent and Registration website