Groups representing EU farm organisations and the forestry industry have expressed their approval of the European Commission’s decision to delay the implementation of the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) by 12 months. The regulation, which mandates that companies can only sell products in the EU if they provide a “due diligence” statement confirming that the product did not originate from deforested land or contribute to forest degradation after December 31, 2020, was initially slated to take effect at the end of this year. However, the commission’s recent announcement of a 12-month extension means that the regulation will now be enforced on December 30, 2025, for large companies and June 30, 2026, for micro and small enterprises.
Several key industry groups, including Copa Cogeca, representing EU farm organisations and agricultural co-operatives, have issued a joint statement expressing their support for the commission’s decision to postpone the regulation’s implementation. The statement emphasized the importance of ensuring that the regulation is effectively and feasibly implemented to achieve its objective of combating global deforestation. In addition to Copa Cogeca, other organizations participating in the joint statement include CEI-Bois, CEPF, Cepi, ELO, EOS, EUSTAFOR, FEFAC, and UECBV.
The joint statement highlighted concerns raised by these organizations regarding the practical applicability of the regulation and the significant administrative burden it would impose. They urged the European Parliament and the Council of the EU to take into account the issues raised by member states, non-EU countries, and other stakeholders, and to approve the commission’s proposal for a one-year postponement. The focus now, according to the statement, should be on addressing the practical challenges associated with the EUDR’s implementation to prevent uncertainties and avoid disruptions in the supply chain.
The industry groups committed to carefully reviewing the guidance document published by the commission and expressed their dedication to engaging in further dialogue to find viable solutions for all sectors impacted by the regulation.
