EU to delay deforestation law amid global concerns

Brussels – The European Commission (EC) has proposed an extra 12-month phase-in period for the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) in response to mounting concerns worldwide over its potential impact.

If approved by the European Parliament and Council, the EUDR law would now apply from 30 Dec 2025 for large companies and 30 June 2026 for micro- and small enterprises, the Commission announced 2 Oct.

“Three months ahead of the intended implementation date, several global partners have repatedly expressed concerns about their state of preparedness, most recently during the UN general assembly in New York,” the EC admitted.

Many global stakeholders, EU member states and third countries are behind in terms of readiness to comply with the requirements of the regulation, the statement added.

The EUDR aims to reduce the risk of deforestation linked to the farming/growing of commodities such as, cattle, cocoa, coffee, wood and – after intensive ‘green’ lobbying – rubber.

Delaying implementation will ensure "proper and effective implementation,” claimed the EC, which has also issued new guidelines to help companies and enforcing authorities understand the law.

Running to 11 chapters, the revised EUDR guidance covers issues such as legality requirements, timeframe of application, agricultural use, and clarifications on product-scope.

The EC concluded that the 12-month additional phase-in period would "support operators around the world in securing a smooth implementation from the start.”