The invention pertains to an applicator (1) for inserting an implant, in particular a rod-like implant (2) containing an active substance, under the skin of a human or animal, comprising a housing (3), a cannula (6), a cannula holder (9), an implant (2) accommodated inside the cannula (6) and/or the cannula holder (9), a protective cover (7) for the cannula (6), and a mechanism (22, 23, 7) which, at least after the cover (7) has been removed from the cannula (6), secures the implant (2) inside the cannula (6) and/or the cannula holder (9). The mechanism (22, 23, 7) disengages the implant (2) during insertion of the cannula (6) or after the cannula (6) has been inserted. Substantially no lateral force will be exerted during the expelling of the implant from the cannula.
