Presumably, the bacterium Serratia marcescens is present throughout the world whereby the isolates of various origins differ significantly. So far, isolates proven as harmful for plants are not documented in the EU. Currently, the bacterium is not listed in the Annexes of the Regulation (EU) 2019/2072. From 1999 to 2002, the bacterium was listed in the EPPO Alert List. 

Severe damage on crops caused by Serratia marcescens is known for cucurbits (Curcubita spp.), maize, pepper and sunflower. Due to appropriate climatic conditions, it is assumed that S. marcescens can establish outdoors in Germany, and throughout the EU and under protected conditions. Due to its high damage potential for important crops like maize, pepper, pumpkin, melon and sunflower, S. marcescens poses a significant phytosanitary risk for Germany and other EU-Member States. 

Based on this risk analysis, it is assumed that the pest can establish in Germany or another Member State and cause significant damage. Thus, measures for the prevention of the release of this potential quarantine pest should be met according to Article 29 of the Regulation (EU) 2016/2031.