The European Commission has confirmed a second delay in the rollout of the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). Initially scheduled for 30 December 2024, the law will now be implemented in December 2026, according to a letter from Environment Commissioner Jessika Roswall.

The reason for the delay is technical: the IT system required to process due diligence statements from companies handling commodities like palm oil, timber, coffee, cocoa, and beef is not ready to handle the expected data load from 1 January 2026 onward.

A Commission spokesperson said the regulation could not be enforced by the original date without risking disruptions in supply chains. The Commission also denied any connection between the delay and recent trade agreements, including one with Indonesia.

The regulation prohibits the placing of products on the EU market if they are linked to deforestation after 31 December 2020, unless proven otherwise through traceability and compliance documentation.

The Commission is now expected to submit a formal proposal to the European Parliament and Council, including options to simplify rules and reduce the burden on operators.