(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 such authorisation.

(2)

In accordance with Article 7 of Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003, an application was submitted for the authorisation of copper(II)-betaine complex. The application was accompanied by the particulars and documents required under Article 7(3) of Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003.

(3)

That application concerns the authorisation of copper(II)-betaine complex as a feed additive for all animal species, requesting that additive to be classified in the additive category ‘nutritional additives’ and in the functional group ‘compounds of trace elements’.

(4)

The European Food Safety Authority (‘the Authority’) concluded in its opinion of 11 January 2023 (2) that, under the proposed conditions of use, copper(II)-betaine complex is safe for all animal species as well as for the consumers. In regard to the environment, the Authority concluded that at the proposed use levels the substance is considered safe for the terrestrial species and the land-based aquaculture systems. The data available did not allow the conclusion to be made on the safety of the additive for marine sediment, when it is used in sea cages. The Authority also concluded that the additive exposure by inhalation is likely. The additive is irritant to eyes and non-irritant to skin. The additive is considered to be a skin and respiratory sensitiser, due to the presence of nickel. The Authority further concluded that based on the data available, the efficacy of the additive cannot be demonstrated. In its second opinion of 15 November 2023 (3), the Authority concluded that the use of the additive at the proposed conditions of use in marine aquaculture does not a pose a risk to the marine sediment compartment. The Authority reiterated its previous conclusion that, based on the data available, the efficacy of the additive cannot be demonstrated. In its third opinion of 6 May 2025 (4), the Authority concluded that that the additive is efficacious as a source of copper for all animal species. It did not consider that there is a need for specific requirements of post-market monitoring. The Authority also verified the report on the method of analysis of the feed additive in feed submitted by the Reference Laboratory set up by Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003.

(5)

In view of the above, the Commission considers that copper(II)-betaine complex satisfies the conditions provided for in Article 5 of Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003. Accordingly, the use of that substance should be authorised for all animal species. 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.

(6)

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