NEWS: EU Proposes One-Year Delay To Deforestation Law

As reported by Stationery News, the European Commission suggests extending the transition period for its deforestation regulation to allow industries and partners more time to prepare

A year-long extension to the European Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) transition period has been proposed by the European Commission, amidst concerns raised by international partners and affected parties that further preparations were necessary.

The EUDR is set to prohibit the import of cocoa, coffee, cattle, soy, oil palm, timber, rubber and related products like paper and card, which have been produced on land deforested after 2020.

Alongside the proposed delay, the Commission also published additional guidance documents, intended to inform and support industry stakeholders through the upcoming legislation, and encourage a “stronger international cooperation framework,” says the Commission.

If the proposal is approved by the European Parliament and the Council, large companies will now have until 30 December 2025 to comply, and micro and small enterprises by 30 June 2026.

It is hoped that the newly published guidance, combined with the transition period extension, will enable companies to adequately phase in their preparations, ensuring proper implementation, as well as uniform application across stakeholders.

Jori Ringman, Cepi director general, said “We fully support the objectives of the EUDR, and with this new timeline, we believe that the EU and its trade partners now have a much better chance at finally eradicating deforestation.”