07.10.2024
On October 2, the European Commission proposed a 12-month delay in implementing the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), with new start dates of December 30, 2025, for large companies and June 30, 2026, for SMEs. This regulation, designed to combat deforestation and forest degradation linked to EU consumption, bans the trade of products that are not free from deforestation. The Netherlands supports this proposed delay, especially given the late publication of crucial guidelines and supporting documents.
It is already known that the European Parliament has agreed to an “urgent procedure” to expedite decision-making on the proposal to delay EUDR implementation by a year. MEPs have until November 6 to submit amendments, and the European Parliament will vote on the proposal in its November plenary session (November 13-14).
Although many Dutch companies were already preparing for a 2024 implementation, this delay grants businesses and governments additional time to ensure full and effective compliance. The Ministry emphasizes that this postponement is crucial to maintain a level playing field across EU member states and to ensure legal certainty for businesses. The “cut-off date” of December 31, 2020, after which no deforestation should have taken place, remains unchanged.
The Netherlands will continue to advocate for timely publication of guidance from the European Commission, helping businesses, authorities, and citizens adequately prepare for the regulation’s rollout.
