(1)

On 19 December 2018, the Commission received an application from KitoZyme for the extension of use of chitosan hydrochloride, approved by Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 563/2014 (2) as a basic substance. As that application was not complete, on 28 November 2019, KitoZyme submitted a revised application accompanied by the information required by the second subparagraph of Article 23(3) of Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009.

(2)

The Commission asked the European Food Safety Authority (‘the Authority’) for scientific assistance. The Authority provided the Commission with a technical report on 8 July 2020 (3) with the summary of the outcome of the consultation with Member States on the basic substance application for an extension of use of chitosan hydrochloride and presenting EFSA’s scientific views on the individual comments received. Based on that technical report and the documentation provided by the applicant, it is appropriate to define the scope of the application as covering the active substance ‘chitosan’. The Commission presented its review report (4) on the substance chitosan to the Standing Committee on Plants, Animals, Food and Feed on 19 May 2021.

(3)

The information provided by the applicant shows that chitosan fulfils the criteria of a foodstuff as defined in Article 2 of Regulation (EC) No 178/2002 of the European Parliament and of the Council (5). Moreover, it is not predominantly used for plant protection purposes but nevertheless it can be useful in plant protection, in a product consisting of the substance and water. Consequently, it is to be considered as a basic substance pursuant to Art 23 of Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009.

(4)

After examination of the application and all related documents, it has been established that chitosan satisfies, in general, the requirements laid down in Article 23 of Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009, in particular with regard to the uses which were examined and detailed in the Commission review report. It is therefore appropriate to approve chitosan as a basic substance.

(5)

In accordance with Article 13(2) of Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009 in conjunction with Article 6(a)(b)(d)(j) thereof and in the light of current scientific and technical knowledge, it is, however, necessary to include certain conditions for the approval.

(6)

In accordance with Article 13(4) of Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009, the Annex to Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 540/2011 (6) should be amended accordingly.

(7)

The measures provided for in this Regulation are in accordance with the opinion of the Standing Committee on Plants, Animals, Food and Feed,