BELGIUM – The European Commission announced a proposed one-year delay for a law banning imports linked to deforestation (EUDR), responding to widespread concerns from industries and governments worldwide.

While the law is seen as a crucial measure in the fight against climate change, critics from countries like Brazil and Malaysia argue it could negatively impact millions of small farmers and disrupt established supply chains.

In March, approximately 20 EU member states urged Brussels to suspend the law, citing potential harm to local farmers who would be barred from exporting products grown on deforested land. The Commission emphasized that this proposal requires approval from the European Parliament and member states and plans to release additional guidance documents.

Environmental groups expressed strong disapproval of the delay. Greenpeace stated that this postponement would ultimately deliver deforestation products to European consumers, undermining the law’s intentions.

The EUDR was set to mandate that companies demonstrate their supply chains were free from deforestation-related practices or face significant penalties. Critics argue that mapping these complex global supply chains is an overwhelming challenge. Eurocommerce welcomed the Commission’s recognition of compliance concerns, highlighting the need for practical solutions.