(1)

Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003 provides for the authorisation of additives for use in animal nutrition and for the grounds and procedures for granting and renewing such authorisation.

(2)

The preparation of copper chelate of hydroxy analogue of methionine was authorised for a period of 10 years as a feed additive for all animal species by Commission Regulation (EU) No 349/2010 (2).

(3)

In accordance with Article 14(1) of Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003, an application was submitted for the renewal of the authorisation of copper chelate of hydroxy analogue of methionine as a feed additive for all animal species, requesting the additive to be classified in the additive category ‘nutritional additives’ and in the functional group ‘compounds of trace elements’. The application included a proposal for amending the conditions of the current authorisation, consisting of the removal of the mineral oil from the additive, which is therefore to be considered as a substance and no longer a preparation. In addition, the minimum content of copper in the additive has been slightly modified. That application was accompanied by the particulars and documents required under Article 14(2) of that Regulation.

(4)

The European Food Safety Authority (‘the Authority’) concluded in its opinion of 5 May 2021 (3) that the applicant has provided evidence that the additive, in its new composition, remains safe for all animal species, the consumers and the environment under the conditions of use currently authorised. It also concluded that the additive is considered as a skin and eye irritant and a skin sensitiser, while the risk of respiratory sensitisation is considered low. The Authority stated that the proposed modification of the conditions of the original authorisation does not have an impact on the efficacy of the additive. Finally, it did not consider that there is a need for specific requirements of post-market monitoring.

(5)

In accordance with Article 5(4), point (c), of Commission Regulation (EC) No 378/2005 (4), the Reference Laboratory set up by Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003 considered that the conclusions and recommendations reached in the previous assessment are valid and applicable for the current application.

(6)

The assessment of copper chelate of hydroxy analogue of methionine shows that the conditions for authorisation, as provided for in Article 5 of Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003, are satisfied. Accordingly, the authorisation of that additive should be renewed. In addition, the Commission considers that appropriate protective measures should be taken to prevent adverse effects on the health of the users of the additive.

(7)

As a consequence of the renewal of the authorisation of copper chelate of hydroxy analogue of methionine as a feed additive, Regulation (EU) No 349/2010 should be repealed.

(8)

Since safety reasons do not require the immediate application of the modifications to the conditions of authorisation of copper chelate of hydroxy analogue of methionine, it is appropriate to provide for a transitional period for interested parties to prepare themselves to meet the new requirements resulting from the renewal of the authorisation, with regard to the composition of the additive, which now consists of a substance, and the derived modification of the identification number of the additive.

(9)

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