ETRMA welcomes green light for European anti-deforestation law

Brussels - The European Tyre and Rubber Manufacturers’ Association (ETRMA) has welcomed a vote by the EU Parliament to drop all amendments to the European Deforestation Regulation (EDUR) and extend the implementation time by a year.

“The industry has been working on the objectives of the regulation long before its proposal, notably through its active participation in the Global Platform for Sustainable Natural Rubber (GPSNR),” said ETRMA in a statement 17 Dec.

Earlier in month, the Parliament and the Council voted for all the propopsed amendments by European Peoples’ Party to be dropped; and the Parliament formally adopted the EUDR act during its plenary session 16 Dec. (ERJ report)

The industry, ETRMA added, “will continue working towards the effective implementation of the EUDR and will use the extended implementation timeline to improve existing systems.”

As part of this, work will be done to extend the mapping of smallholders to reach a wider supply shed and to refine 'annex I' of the act to avoid unintended consequences on the sector’s circular economy practices.

“Clear, timelines and practical guidance are essential for our industry to comply effectively with the EUDR,” said Adam McCarthy, secretary general of ETRMA.

“We are eager to continue working with EU policymakers to find solutions that benefit the entire supply chain.”

The act is expected to be published in the official journal before Christmas.

It will then enter into force before the year end to “change the date of entry into application of the regulation from the 30 Dec 2024 to 30 Dec 2025.”