The value of existing regulatory frameworks for the environmental risk assessment of agricultural pest control using gene drives

•The application of gene drives is a powerful new tool to control insect populations.•Concerns exists regarding the environmental consequences of gene drive applications.•Experience in assessing risks of control methods using living organisms exists.•We do not envisage any unforeseen novel risks with the use of gene drive organisms.•Existing frameworks can assist the risk assessment of insects carrying gene drives.