As reported by the EU Parliament, the Parliament has decided to postpone the date of application of the Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) by one year (trade-e-bility reported: EUDR Deforestation Regulation will be postponed?). This was due to concerns expressed by EU Member States, non-EU countries, sellers and economic operators about being able to fully comply with the provisions of the EU Deforestation Regulation when it comes into force at the end of 2024.
Large companies are now expected to have to comply with the regulations from 30 December 2025, small and micro-enterprises from 30 June 2026. The additional time is intended to ensure that the regulations are implemented smoothly without jeopardising environmental targets. In addition, a new risk category "no risk" has been introduced, which applies to countries with a stable or growing forest area and provides for less stringent requirements. A country-specific benchmarking system is to be created by June 2025.
Table.Media reports that the EU Parliament has not only voted in favour of postponing the implementation deadline for the EUDR. With the support of other parties, the European People's Party (EPP) has ensured that significant changes will have to be renegotiated.
Following informal agreement with the Renew Group and under pressure from other political groups, the EPP withdrew six of 15 amendments, including exempting sellers from the rules and postponing the deadline by two years. Even the popular press is now reporting on the general uncertainty in the market as to which EUDR regulations will apply in future. The postponement should therefore be used to familiarise oneself with the requirements of the EUDR and comply with them.
Next steps: Parliament has decided to refer the dossier back to the committee for interinstitutional trilogue negotiations. In order for the amendments to enter into force, an informal compromise must then be approved by the Council and Parliament. It will then be published in the Official Journal of the EU.
Is your company affected by the EUDR? Take action now! Christopher Blauth and Jens Haasler will be happy to answer your questions.
