Review of EU Legal Acts
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/154: Sepiolitic Clay as Feed Additive
This regulation authorizes the use of sepiolitic clay as a technological additive in animal feed, specifically as a binder and anti-caking agent. It broadens the range of animal species for which sepiolitic clay is permitted, excluding ruminants for milk production or reproduction, weaned piglets, fattening pigs, salmonids, and chickens for fattening. The regulation also increases the maximum content allowed in feed for salmonids and chickens for fattening and updates the previous regulation. Feed operators must adhere to specific procedures and measures to protect workers from health risks associated with handling the additive, particularly concerning crystalline silica and nickel inhalation. Transitional measures are in place to allow businesses time to adjust to the new regulations.
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/157: Anti-Dumping Duty on Candles from China
This regulation imposes definitive anti-dumping duties on imports of candles from China. Specific duty rates are set for named Chinese companies, while a general duty applies to all other candle imports from China. Importers must present a valid commercial invoice with a specific declaration to benefit from individual company duty rates. Provisional duties already imposed will be definitively collected, but there will be no retroactive collection of duties. A mechanism is established for new exporting producers to request the application of duty rates for cooperating companies, subject to certain conditions.
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/178: Eucalyptus Tincture as Feed Additive
This regulation authorizes the use of eucalyptus tincture from *Eucalyptus globulus* Labill. as a sensory feed additive (flavoring compound) for specific animal species for fattening (turkeys, chickens and minor poultry, pigs and minor Suidae, calves, sheep, goats, cattle and other ruminants, Camelidae, rabbits, salmonids and minor finfish). It defines the conditions of use, including maximum content levels. The additive must be incorporated into feed as a premixture. Feed business operators must establish operational procedures and organizational measures to address potential risks and use personal protective equipment. The regulation also sets a maximum limit for methyleugenol content and allows for mixtures with other botanical additives under specific conditions.
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/158: Union Authorisation for “Hydrogen Peroxide Product Family”
This regulation grants a Union authorization for the biocidal product family “Hydrogen peroxide product family.” It allows Arche Consortia to market and use these products within the EU as disinfectants and algaecides (not for direct use on humans or animals) in food and feed areas. Users must adhere to the authorized uses, application methods, rates, and frequency specified in the annex. It’s also crucial to follow hazard and precautionary statements and use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) to minimize risks to human health and the environment.
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/155: Renewal of Authorisation for *Saccharomyces cerevisiae* NCYC R404 for Cows
This regulation renews the authorization for the feed additive *Saccharomyces cerevisiae* NCYC R404, used for cows, for another 10 years. Feed business operators must establish operational procedures and organizational measures to address potential risks from the use of the additive and premixtures. Personal breathing and skin protective equipment must be used if those risks cannot be eliminated. The regulation also specifies the minimum dosage of the additive, which is 1 × 1010 CFU/animal/day.
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/156: Union Authorisation for “Nutrinova® Potassium Sorbate BFX Granules”
This regulation grants a Union authorization for the biocidal product “Nutrinova® Potassium Sorbate BFX Granules,” used as a preservative during storage (product-type 6). Users must comply with the conditions outlined in the annex, particularly concerning authorized uses, application methods, rates, user categories, and necessary risk mitigation measures, including the use of protective equipment, to ensure safe and effective use of the product.
Review of each of legal acts published today:
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/154 of 23 January 2026 concerning the authorisation of sepiolitic clay as a feed additive for all animal species other than ruminants for milk production or reproduction, weaned piglets of porcine species, porcine species for fattening, salmonids and chickens for fattening and amending Implementing Regulation (EU) 2023/263 as regards the terms of the authorisation of sepiolitic clay as a feed additive for salmonids and chickens for fattening
This Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/154 concerns the authorization of sepiolitic clay as a feed additive for various animal species, excluding ruminants for milk production or reproduction, weaned piglets, fattening pigs, salmonids, and chickens for fattening. It also amends Implementing Regulation (EU) 2023/263 to adjust the terms of authorization for sepiolitic clay use in salmonid and chicken fattening feed. The regulation classifies sepiolitic clay as a technological additive, specifically as a binder and anticaking agent, and sets a maximum content limit in animal feed.
The regulation consists of four articles and two annexes. Article 1 authorizes the use of sepiolitic clay as a feed additive under the conditions specified in Annex I. Article 2 amends Implementing Regulation (EU) 2023/263 by replacing its annex with Annex II of this regulation. Article 3 outlines transitional measures, allowing the continued use and marketing of products produced and labeled before specified dates under the previous regulations. Article 4 states that the regulation will enter into force twenty days after its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union. Annex I specifies the conditions for the use of sepiolitic clay as a binder and anticaking agent for all animal species other than ruminants for milk production or reproduction, weaned piglets of porcine species, porcine species for fattening, salmonids and chickens for fattening, while Annex II replaces the annex of Implementing Regulation (EU) 2023/263, updating the conditions for the use of sepiolitic clay for ruminants for milk production or reproduction, weaned piglets of porcine species, porcine species for fattening, salmonids and chickens for fattening. The main change is the increase of the maximum content to 20 000 mg per kg of complete feed for salmonids and chickens for fattening.
The most important provisions for users include the authorization of sepiolitic clay for a broader range of animal species and the increased maximum content for salmonids and chickens for fattening. Additionally, the regulation emphasizes the need for feed business operators to implement operational procedures and protective measures to mitigate potential health risks to workers handling the additive, particularly concerning inhalation risks related to crystalline silica and nickel. The transitional measures are also crucial, allowing a period for businesses to adapt to the new regulations and avoid immediate disruption.
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/157 of 23 January 2026 imposing a definitive anti-dumping duty and definitively collecting the provisional duty imposed on imports of candles, tapers and the like originating in the People’s Republic of China
This is Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/157 imposing a definitive anti-dumping duty on imports of candles, tapers and the like originating in the People’s Republic of China. This regulation follows an anti-dumping investigation initiated in December 2024 and the imposition of provisional duties in August 2025. The regulation establishes definitive anti-dumping duties for specific companies and a general duty for all other imports of these products from China. It also finalizes the collection of provisional duties.
The regulation is structured as follows:
– **Procedure**: Details the initiation of the investigation, registration of imports, imposition of provisional measures, and subsequent procedures including hearings and disclosures.
– **Product Concerned and Like Product**: Defines the scope of the investigation, including handmade decorative candles, and addresses claims regarding the Product Control Number (PCN).
– **Dumping**: Explains the determination of normal value, the existence of significant distortions in the Chinese market, the selection of a representative country (Thailand and Türkiye), and the methodology for establishing undistorted costs and benchmarks.
– **Injury**: Assesses the injury to the Union industry, including Union consumption, imports from China, and price undercutting.
– **Causation**: Examines the causal link between the dumped imports and the injury to the Union industry, as well as the effects of other factors.
– **Level of Measures**: Determines the underselling margin and examines the margin adequate to remove the injury to the Union industry, including considerations of raw material distortions.
– **Union Interest**: Discusses the Union interest in imposing measures, considering the impact on importers and distributors.
– **Definitive Anti-Dumping Measures**: Imposes definitive anti-dumping duties, addresses the application of individual duty rates, and discusses measures to prevent circumvention.
– **Definitive Collection of the Provisional Duties**: Finalizes the collection of provisional duties.
– **Retroactive Collection**: Assesses whether to retroactively collect duties.
– **Final Provision**: Addresses the interest rate for reimbursements following judgments by the Court of Justice.
The most important provisions of this act are:
1. **Imposition of Definitive Anti-Dumping Duties**: Establishes specific anti-dumping duty rates for named Chinese companies and a general rate for all other imports from China. For example, Ningbo Kwung’s Home Interior & Gift Co., Ltd. and Ningbo Kwung’s Wisdom Art & Design Co., Ltd. face a duty of 56.7%, while Qingdao Kingking Applied Chemistry Co Ltd is subject to a 60.3% duty. All other imports from China are subject to a 60.3% duty.
2. **Condition for Individual Duty Rates**: Requires importers to present a valid commercial invoice with a specific declaration to benefit from the individual company duty rates.
3. **Definitive Collection of Provisional Duties**: Confirms that the provisional duties already imposed will be definitively collected.
4. **No Retroactive Collection**: Decides against the retroactive collection of duties.
5. **Mechanism for New Exporting Producers**: Allows exporting producers who did not export to the Union during the investigation period to request the application of the duty rate for cooperating companies, subject to certain conditions.
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/178 of 23 January 2026 concerning the authorisation of eucalyptus tincture from Eucalyptus globulus Labill. as a feed additive for certain animal species
This Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/178 authorises the use of eucalyptus tincture from *Eucalyptus globulus* Labill. as a sensory feed additive (flavouring compound) for specific animal species. It defines the conditions of use, including maximum content levels, and specifies which animal categories are permitted to receive the additive. The regulation also mandates the withdrawal of the additive from the market for animal species and categories not explicitly authorised in the Annex.
The regulation consists of five articles and an annex. Article 1 authorises the use of eucalyptus tincture as a feed additive under the conditions specified in the annex. Article 2 mandates the withdrawal of eucalyptus tincture from the market for animal species and categories not mentioned in the annex. Articles 3 and 4 outline transitional measures for products already on the market, allowing for a period of adjustment for businesses to comply with the new rules. Article 5 states the date of entry into force of the regulation. The Annex specifies the conditions of use for the additive, including the animal species it is authorised for, the maximum content allowed, and other provisions related to its use and safety. Compared to the previous authorization under Directive 70/524/EEC, this regulation narrows the scope of permitted uses to specific fattening animal categories and introduces concentration limits and safety measures.
The most important provisions for users include the permitted animal species and categories (turkeys, chickens and minor poultry, pigs and minor Suidae, calves, sheep, goats, cattle and other ruminants, Camelidae, rabbits, salmonids and minor finfish – all for fattening except brood stock), the maximum content of the additive in complete feed, and the requirement to incorporate the additive into feed in the form of a premixture. Additionally, feed business operators must establish operational procedures and organizational measures to address potential risks and use personal protective equipment where risks cannot be eliminated. The regulation also sets a maximum limit for methyleugenol content and allows for mixtures with other botanical additives under specific conditions.
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/158 of 23 January 2026 granting a Union authorisation for the biocidal product family Hydrogen peroxide product family in accordance with Regulation (EU) No 528/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council
This is a description of Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/158, which grants a Union authorization for the biocidal product family “Hydrogen peroxide product family.” This regulation allows Arche Consortia to make these products available on the market and use them within the European Union. The biocidal products are intended for use as disinfectants and algaecides (not for direct use on humans or animals) and in food and feed areas. The authorization is valid from February 15, 2026, to January 31, 2036.
The regulation consists of two articles and an annex. Article 1 grants the Union authorization to Arche Consortia for the biocidal product family ‘Hydrogen peroxide product family’ with the authorization number EU-0031657-0000, valid from February 15, 2026, to January 31, 2036. Article 2 states that the regulation will come into force twenty days after its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union and is binding in its entirety and directly applicable in all Member States. The annex details the summary of product characteristics for the biocidal product family, including administrative information, product family composition, hazard and precautionary statements, authorized uses, and general directions for use. The annex is divided into five Meta SPCs (Summary of Product Characteristics), each specifying different compositions, uses, and safety measures for various product types within the “Hydrogen peroxide product family.”
The most important provisions for users are those outlined in the Annex, specifically within each Meta SPC (1-5). These sections detail the authorized uses of each product type, including the target organisms, application methods, rates, and frequency, as well as specific instructions for use and risk mitigation measures. Users must pay close attention to the hazard and precautionary statements, ensuring they use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and follow the prescribed safety protocols to minimize risks to human health and the environment.
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/155 of 23 January 2026 concerning the renewal of the authorisation of a preparation of Saccharomyces cerevisiae NCYC R404 as a feed additive for cows (holder of authorisation: Volac International Ltd) and repealing Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/502
This Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/155 concerns the renewal of the authorization for the feed additive *Saccharomyces cerevisiae* NCYC R404, used for cows. The additive, produced by Volac International Ltd, is classified as a zootechnical additive for gut flora stabilization. The regulation extends the authorization for another 10 years, until February 15, 2036, while also repealing the previous Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/502 which initially authorized the additive.
The regulation consists of three articles and an annex. Article 1 renews the authorization of the additive under the conditions specified in the annex. Article 2 repeals the previous Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/502. Article 3 states the regulation’s entry into force 20 days after its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union. The annex specifies the identification number, the holder, the name of the additive, its composition, analytical method, the animal species for which it is intended (cows), the minimum and maximum content, other provisions, and the end date of the authorization period.
The most important provisions for users of this regulation are in the Annex. It specifies that feed business operators must establish operational procedures and organizational measures to address potential risks from the use of the additive and premixtures. It also states that personal breathing and skin protective equipment must be used if those risks cannot be eliminated. The annex also specifies the minimum dosage of the additive, which is 1 × 1010 CFU/animal/day.
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/156 of 23 January 2026 granting a Union authorisation for the single biocidal product Nutrinova® Potassium Sorbate BFX Granules in accordance with Regulation (EU) No 528/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council
This Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/156 grants a Union authorisation for the biocidal product “Nutrinova® Potassium Sorbate BFX Granules,” used as a preservative during storage (product-type 6). The authorisation, granted to Nutrinova Germany GmbH, allows the product to be made available on the market and used within the Union, subject to the conditions outlined in the attached summary of biocidal product characteristics. The regulation specifies the authorisation number and the period of validity, which extends from February 15, 2026, to January 31, 2036.
The structure of the act is straightforward: it consists of two articles and an annex. Article 1 grants the Union authorization and specifies its validity period. Article 2 states the regulation’s entry into force. The Annex contains the summary of product characteristics, detailing administrative information, product composition, hazard and precautionary statements, authorized uses, and general directions for use. There are no direct changes compared to previous versions mentioned, as this regulation specifically grants an initial Union authorization for the product.
The most important provisions for users are those detailed in the Annex, particularly Section 4 (Authorised Uses) and Section 5 (General Directions for Use). These sections specify the types of products the biocidal product can be used in (e.g., washing and cleaning fluids, enzyme preparations), the target organisms, application methods, rates, user categories, and necessary risk mitigation measures, including the use of protective equipment. Users must ensure they comply with these conditions to use the product safely and effectively.
