EU Deforestation Regulation – Parliament agrees to extend application timeline
Food Business Operators (FBOs) now have additional time to understand and implement the due diligence requirements mandated by the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). Initially set for 30 December 2024, the EUDR’s timeline has been extended by a year following extensive discussions among from governmental representatives and suppliers, both within and beyond the EU. The extension, officially proposed by the European Commission and confirmed by the European Parliament, provides FBOs with a crucial window to ensure compliance and integrate necessary measures within their operations.
History and timeline of the EUDR
The EUDR has been in force since June 29, 2023, with its provisions originally set to be applied from December 30, 2024, as we previously reported.
In October, the Commission suggested delaying the application date of the deforestation regulation by one year. It was agreed to handle this proposal under the urgency procedure (Rule 170(6)).
Acknowledging the tight timeline and the diverse range of international stakeholders, the Parliament approved an additional 12-month phase-in period on November 14.
Now, the obligations stemming from this regulation will be binding from:
- December 30, 2025 for large operators and traders
- June 30, 2026 for micro- and small enterprises
The delay will allow third countries, member states, operators, and traders to fully prepare for their due diligence obligations. This ensures that commodities, such as palm oil, soy, coffee, and cocoa, among others, as well as products containing these commodities sold in or exported from the EU, are deforestation-free.
It is important to emphasize that this postponement does not change or alter the objective of the law. Instead, it simply provides more time for stakeholders to adapt and achieve compliance.
In addition to agreeing to the delay, the Parliament proposed some new amendments, including 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. If the proposal goes ahead, the Commission will need to finalise a country benchmarking system by 30 June 2025.
The European Parliament decision will be the subject of further discussion, and Leatherhead Food Research will keep members informed through our Global Legal Highlights newsletter.
Support with the EU Deforestation Regulation
To learn more about how to comply with the development of robust documentation and due diligence statements to support compliance, as well as horizon scanning for future requirements, please get in touch at [email protected]. Leatherhead’s experienced team of scientists and regulatory experts, including former regulators and industry advocates, can support you every step of the way
