Abstract Following a request from European Commission, the Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of the additive cashew nutshell liquid as a technological additive (antioxidant) in feedingstuffs for all animal species. The additive cashew nutshell liquid consists of an artificial mixture of two components, the oil extracted from the cashew nutshell, called CNSL and castor oil. In the absence of adequate data, the FEEDAP Panel is not in the position to conclude on the characterisation of the additive nor to conclude on the safety of cashew nutshell liquid for the target species, the consumer and the environment. The additive is considered skin and eye irritant and a skin sensitiser. Exposure via inhalation is unlikely. The additive is an effective antioxidant in feedingstuffs and feed material for all animal species at the proposed conditions of use.