European Parliament approves 12-month delay of EUDR - companies have until the end of 2025 to comply

The European Parliament voted today, 14 November 2024, in favor of postponing the application of the EU Regulation on Deforestation (EUDR) by 12 months. The decision comes in response to concerns expressed by EU Member States, non-EU countries, traders and operators about their ability to fully comply with the regulations by the end of 2024.

With 371 votes in favor, 240 against and 30 abstentions, the European Parliament plenary approved European Commission proposal to amend the implementation datesgiving companies more time to adapt.

New implementation timetable

• December 30, 2025: deadline for large operators and traders
• June 30, 2026: deadline for micro and small businesses

A new risk category

In addition to the postponement of deadlines, the Parliament has introduced a new category in the country risk assessment system - "no risk". This is in addition to the three existing categories: low, standard and high risk.

Countries classified as "no risk" will be those that demonstrate stable or increasing forest area development. They will benefit from significantly less stringent requirements given the negligible or non-existent risk of deforestation.

The European Commission has until June 30, 2025 to complete the country classification system.

Next steps

For the changes to enter into force, the agreed text must be approved by both European Counciland the Parliament and published in the EU's Official Journal.