BELGIUM – The European Council has reached a consensus to amend the EU deforestation regulation (EUDR), delaying its implementation by 12 months.

This extension allows third countries, member states, operators, and traders to adequately prepare for due diligence obligations, ensuring that certain commodities sold or exported from the EU are deforestation-free. These commodities include cattle, wood, cocoa, soy, palm oil, coffee, rubber, and some derived products.

The regulation, in effect since June 29, 2023, mandates that products entering the EU market or being exported must not contribute to deforestation or forest degradation. Due to concerns about meeting the original deadline of December 31, 2024, the Commission proposed a one-year postponement.

Under the new timeline, obligations will be binding as follows: December 30, 2025, for large operators and traders, and June 30, 2026, for micro and small enterprises. This delay will allow for effective implementation of due diligence systems that identify deforestation risks and ensure compliance with EU regulations.

Only products produced on land not subjected to deforestation since December 31, 2020, will be permitted in the EU market.

The Council will now inform the European Parliament, aiming for formal adoption and publication in the Official Journal of the EU by year’s end.