AbstractThe EFSA Panel on Plant Health performed a pest categorisation ofSolenopsis invictaButler (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) the red imported fire ant, for the EU territory.S. invictais native to central South America and has spread to North and Central America, East Asia and Australia where it is recognised as a major invasive species causing serious environmental impacts to biodiversity and harming horticultural crops such as cabbage, eggplant and potatoes. It can girdle and kill young citrus trees.S. invictais not listed as a Union quarantine pest in Annex II of Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/2072. However, the European Scientific Forum on Invasive Alien Species listsS. invictaas a species of Union concern (Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2022/1203). Like other ant species,S. invictais a social insect commonly creating colonies in the soil. Long‐distance spread in the Americas has been attributed to nests being carried in soil accompanying plants for planting, or simply in soil alone.S. invictacould enter the EU via conveyances carrying a wide range of goods if the conveyance is contaminated with soil or has been in close contact with soil, and with plants for planting in soil or growing media. Climatic conditions in large parts of the southern EU are suitable for establishment and spread would occur when mated females disperse to form new colonies. IfS. invictaestablished in the EU, losses to horticultural crops would be expected in addition to losses to biodiversity. The impacts ofS. invictago beyond plant health with the ant attacking new‐born, hatching, weak or sick animals. Stings can cause allergic reactions in humans and are a public health issue. However, such factors are outside the scope of a pest categorisation.S. invictasatisfies the criteria that are within the remit of EFSA to assess for it to be regarded as a potential Union quarantine pest.