(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. Article 10 of that Regulation provides for the re-evaluation of additives authorised pursuant to Council Directive 70/524/EEC (2).

(2)

The preparation of endo-1,3(4)-beta-glucanase (EC 3.2.1.6) and endo-1,4-beta-xylanase (EC 3.2.1.8) produced by Aspergillus niger (NRRL 25541) was authorised without a time limit in accordance with Directive 70/524/EEC as a feed additive for chickens for fattening by Commission Regulation (EC) No 668/2003 (3) and as a feed additive for laying hens by Commission Regulation (EC) No 255/2005 (4). That preparation was subsequently entered in the Register of feed additives as an existing product, in accordance with Article 10(1) of Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003.

(3)

In accordance with Article 10(2) of Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003 in conjunction with Article 7 thereof, an application was submitted for the re-evaluation of the preparation of endo-1,3(4)-beta-glucanase (EC 3.2.1.6) and endo-1,4-beta-xylanase (EC 3.2.1.8) produced by Aspergillus niger (NRRL 25541) as a feed additive for chickens for fattening and for laying hens and, in accordance with Article 7 of that Regulation, for the authorisation for use for pigs for fattening, minor poultry and porcine species requesting that additive to be classified in the additive category of ‘zootechnical additives’. The application was accompanied by the particulars and documents required under Article 7(3) of Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003.

(4)

The European Food Safety Authority (‘the Authority’) concluded in its opinions of 11 July 2013 (5) and 25 January 2017 (6) that, under the proposed conditions of use, the preparation of endo-1,3(4)-beta-glucanase (EC 3.2.1.6) and endo-1,4-beta-xylanase (EC 3.2.1.8) produced by Aspergillus niger (NRRL 25541) does not have an adverse effect on animal health, human health or the environment. The Authority also concluded that the use of that preparation has the potential to be efficacious in improving zootechnical parameters in chickens for fattening, laying hens and pigs for fattening. The Authority further considered that the mode of action of the enzymes present in the additive can be considered to be similar in minor poultry species and minor porcine species, therefore the conclusions on the efficacy in chickens for fattening, laying hens and in pigs for fattening can be extrapolated to minor poultry species and minor porcine species for fattening. The Authority does not consider that there is a need for specific requirements of post-market monitoring. It 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)

The assessment of the preparation of endo-1,3(4)-beta-glucanase (EC 3.2.1.6) and endo-1,4-beta-xylanase (EC 3.2.1.8) produced by Aspergillus niger (NRRL 25541) shows that the conditions for authorisation, as provided for in Article 5 of Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003, are satisfied. Accordingly, the use of that preparation should be authorised as specified in the Annex to this Regulation.

(6)

Since safety reasons do not require the immediate application of the modifications to the conditions of authorisation, it is appropriate to allow a transitional period for interested parties to prepare themselves to meet the new requirements resulting from the authorisation.

(7)

Regulation (EC) No 255/2005 should be amended accordingly. Regulation (EC) No 668/2003 should be repealed.

(8)

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