European Parliament agrees to extend EUDR deadline, other amendments

Strasbourg, France – Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) on 14 Nov agreed to a one -postponement f the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) and other amendments – by 371 votes to 240.

The postponement had been proposed by the EU Commission in response to concerns raised by member states, non-EU countries, traders and operators about the initial deadline set for the end of 2024.

Large operators and traders will now have to meet the certification requirements of the EUDR as of 30 Dec 2025, while micro- and small enterprises have until 30 June 2026 to comply.

Parliament, however, also adopted EUDR amendments – proposed by political groups – which have raised concerns by tire makers and other players throughout the natural rubber value chain. (ERJ report)

These amendments include the creation of a new category of countries posing “no risk” on deforestation in addition to the existing three categories of “low”, “standard” and “high” risk.

Countries classified as “no risk”, defined as countries with stable or increasing forest area development, would face significantly less stringent requirements as there is a negligible or non-existent risk of deforestation.

“Parliament has, therefore, decided to refer this file back to committee for interinstitutional negotiations,” explained a statement from the Strasbourg-based EU legislative body.

“In order for these changes to enter into force, the agreed text will have to be endorsed by both Council and Parliament and published in the EU Official Journal,” it also noted.