The European Commission is considering a one-year postponement of the contentious EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), according to a letter from Commissioner for Environment, Fisheries and Maritime Affairs, Jessika Roswall, addressed to the European Parliament. The correspondence, revealed in a report by Handelsblatt, cites technical difficulties as the primary cause for the potential delay.
The EUDR aims to prevent products sold within the European Union from contributing to global deforestation. The regulation mandates that companies demonstrate the origin of commodities like coffee, cocoa, palm oil and paper, ensuring they are not derived from newly deforested areas. Similar stipulations apply to imports of timber and wood fiber, requiring proof of sustainable forestry practices.
Despite extensive preparations, the Commission now expresses concerns about the capacity of the IT systems designed to manage the regulation’s implementation. Commissioner Roswall’s letter indicates a reconsideration of the planned commencement date, currently set for December 30, 2025, with a potential shift to 2026.
The proposed regulation has faced considerable headwinds. EU businesses have voiced concerns about potential disadvantages in international competition and numerous trade partners have already registered complaints in Brussels. Recent pressure has been particularly pronounced from the United States, a significant exporter of paper, timber and related forest products to the EU, with exports valued at over €3.5 billion annually. Concerns have also been amplified by previous statements suggesting potential shifts in US forestry policy.
