Natural rubber excluded from UK deforestation regulation

London – The UK government has published details of its ‘deforestation due diligence legislation’, which aims to ensure products sold to UK consumers are not linked to illegal clearing of forests.

Commodities covered within the legislation include palm oil, cocoa, beef, leather and soy but not natural rubber – which is included in the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR).

“This move will protect the habitats of some of the world’s most precious and endangered species, including tigers and leopards,” said the UK government issued 9 Dec.

The law will also give shoppers assurance that goods they buy do not contribute to deforestation in the countries where they come from, the statement added.

The secondary regulation to the UK’s Environment Act 2021, applies to businesses with annual sales of over €58 million and using over 500 tonnes/year of regulated commodities.

Rubber is a "major omission" from the UK's anti-deforestation law, claimed a statement from environmental NGO Mighty Earth, noting significant imports of vehicle tires into the country.

However, natural rubber was only included in the scope of the EUDR at the last-minute – following intense pressure by environmental lobbyists on Brussels lawmakers.

The EU regulation has since been challenged by natural rubber producing countries, which have warned that its requirements will undermine the livlihoods of many growers.