03.10.2024
The European Commission has taken another critical step towards the implementation of the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) by proposing an additional 12-month phasing-in period. This decision comes in response to feedback from global partners and stakeholders who have expressed concerns about their preparedness for the Regulation’s requirements.
The Commission’s proposal, if approved by the European Parliament and Council, will set the new implementation dates for 30 December 2025 for large companies and 30 June 2026 for micro- and small enterprises. This extension will provide stakeholders with more time to adapt and ensure smooth and effective compliance with the Regulation.
Strengthened guidance and support
To facilitate this transition, the Commission has published new guidance documents that aim to provide clarity for companies and enforcement authorities on key aspects of the Regulation. These documents cover practical details on product compliance, traceability obligations, and the definition of terms such as “forest degradation” and “placing on the market.” The updated guidelines are divided into 11 chapters, addressing everything from legality requirements to timelines for application.
Additionally, the Information System for registering due diligence statements will begin accepting entries in November, ensuring companies can prepare ahead of time. A pilot phase earlier this year involved 100 companies, and further resources such as multilingual instructions and training sessions are now available to help stakeholders navigate the system.
Global cooperation and risk classification
The Commission is also publishing the EUDR benchmarking methodology, which will classify countries as low, standard, or high risk. This classification system aims to streamline the due diligence process for operators and support enforcement efforts. Most countries are expected to fall under the “low risk” category, allowing a focused approach to areas where deforestation poses a significant challenge.
In parallel, the Commission, in partnership with the European External Action Service (EEAS), has introduced a comprehensive international cooperation framework. This framework outlines strategic priorities and key principles to ensure that the Regulation is implemented fairly and inclusively across different regions. This includes special support for smallholders and dialogue on sustainable agricultural practices, with a focus on preventing deforestation without leaving any partners behind.
Next Steps
The Commission invites the European Parliament and Council to adopt the proposal for an extended implementation period by the end of 2024. Meanwhile, businesses and stakeholders are encouraged to finalize their IT connections and participate in training sessions to ensure they are ready for the full launch of the system in late 2025.
The EUDR is a crucial part of the EU’s broader effort to tackle global deforestation and its contribution to climate change and biodiversity loss. As the world continues to lose vast areas of forest, the Regulation will play a key role in ensuring that products entering the EU market are sustainably sourced and free from links to deforestation.
If you have any questions, there is an FAQ that you can download here.
In addition, our consultants are closely involved in the developments and can therefore provide companies with more information and explanations.
