European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR)

The Council of the European Union has agreed to postpone the application of the EU deforestation regulation (EUDR) by 12 months, a move designed to allow member states, operators, traders, and third countries more time to comply with its requirements. The decision aims to ensure that all parties are fully prepared to meet due diligence obligations for commodities such as coffee, cocoa, palm oil, and wood, which must be proven to be deforestation-free when sold or exported from the EU.

Under the amended timeline, large operators will need to comply with the EUDR by December 2025, while micro- and small enterprises have until June 2026. The delay is intended to provide legal certainty and adequate time to develop and implement the necessary due diligence systems, including identifying deforestation risks and ensuring monitoring and compliance within supply chains. The overall goal remains unchanged: to prevent deforestation and forest degradation linked to the production of these commodities.

Despite the Council’s rationale, over 225 global civil society organisations have voiced their strong opposition to the proposed delay. In a collective call under the #Together4Forests campaign, groups from at least 42 countries urged the European Parliament and national EU governments to reject the postponement. Environmental advocates argue that the delay undermines urgent climate action and threatens the progress already made in fighting deforestation.

While fully supportive of the objectives of the EU Deforestation Regulation, CLECAT welcomes the proposal for the implementation delay as trade needs more time to prepare.

The Council’s position will be presented to the European Parliament, which will vote on the proposal in an upcoming plenary session. If the delay is approved, the deforestation regulation will still come into effect by the end of the year, albeit with the extended deadlines for compliance.