Code of Conduct Other Species

The code of conduct for other species (gedragscode andere soorten) is a voluntary instrument for working with or near protected animal species that do not fall under the Birds Directive or Habitats Directive. These are species that are nationally protected under the Omgevingswet.

By working according to an approved code of conduct, you can carry out activities without requiring an exemption, provided that you meet the conditions of the code. The code contains measures to prevent or limit negative effects on protected species. The protection regime was previously part of the Wet natuurbescherming and was incorporated into the Omgevingswet on January 1, 2024.

Requirements

  • Approved code: Use a code of conduct approved by the minister for the relevant activity
  • Species: Applicable to nationally protected species (not Birds Directive or Habitats Directive species)
  • Compliance: All conditions and measures from the code of conduct must be complied with
  • Registration: Registration or notification may be required when applying the code of conduct

Procedure

  • Choose code: Select an approved code of conduct applicable to your activity
  • Implement measures: Carry out the measures prescribed in the code of conduct
  • Documentation: Keep documentation of the measures implemented
  • No exemption needed: With correct application, no separate exemption is required