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The European Commission has proposed extending the adaptation period for implementing the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) by an additional 12 months, responding to concerns from international partners and stakeholders. This law, aimed at combating global deforestation, ensures that key products sold in the EU do not contribute to deforestation or forest degradation.
Initially set for late 2024, the new deadlines would move to December 30, 2025, for large companies and June 30, 2026, for micro and small enterprises, giving more time to adjust operations and meet regulatory demands.
The Commission has also published new guidance documents and international cooperation frameworks to support effective implementation. These materials clarify obligations on traceability, the information system, penalties, and key definitions like "forest degradation" and "placing on the market." Practical scenarios are included to aid in understanding, and online public information has been updated for accessibility.
A central feature is the creation of a digital information system for registering due diligence statements, which will be operational starting in December. Additionally, a risk assessment system will classify countries by deforestation risk (low, standard, or high) to enable more efficient monitoring and focus efforts where deforestation is most critical.
This extension does not alter the law’s objectives but ensures a smoother transition, especially for stakeholders with less capacity to adapt. The Commission emphasizes international cooperation, highlighting human rights, support for smallholders, and ongoing dialogue with the most affected countries.
With this proposal, the Commission aims to secure successful implementation of a law crucial for addressing deforestation, a major driver of climate change and biodiversity loss globally.
2 October 2024/European Commission/European Union.
http://ec.europa.eu.
