A comprehensive framework and guidelines for implementing a recently developed method for classifying alien taxa is presented. This method, termed the Environmental Impact Classification for Alien Taxa (EICAT), classifies alien taxa in terms of the magnitude of their detrimental environmental impacts in recipient areas. Authors detail criteria for applying the EICAT scheme in a consistent and comparable fashion, prescribe the supporting information that should be supplied along with classifications, and describe the process for implementing the method. This comment aims to draw the attention of interested parties to the framework and guidelines, and to present them in their entirety in a location where they are freely accessible to any potential users. informacion[at]ebd.csic.es: Hawkins et al (2015) Framework and guidelines for implementing the proposed IUCN Environmental Impact Classification for Alien Taxa (EICAT). Divers Distrib DOI: 10.1111/ddi.12379