Securing authorisation for feed additives in the European Union may not be your ‘cup of tea’, since it remains one of the most scientifically rigorous and procedurally demanding regulatory pathways. Governed by Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003, the process requires applicants to submit well-structured comprehensive dossiers evaluated by EFSA’s Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP Panel).

In practice, the majority of applications face delays and clock stops due to avoidable deficiencies in dossier preparation. Recent EFSA stakeholder discussions and evolving guidance indicate a clear trend: the success of a feed additives dossier depends as much on its structure, completeness and consistency as on its scientific content.