The European Parliament voted to extend the EUDR implementation deadline

The European Parliament adopted on 16 December 2024, by an overwhelming majority of 546 votes in favor, the extension of the deadline for the implementation of the new EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). This decision comes in support of companies that deal with wood products and other materials at risk of deforestation, giving them additional time to adapt to the new requirements.

According to the new timetable, large companies and traders will have to comply from December 30, 2025, while micro and small firms will have until June 30, 2026. This adjustment was necessary after several EU member states, non-EU countries and economic operators signaled difficulties in implementing the regulation by the original deadline.

"We promised and we kept our word," said European Parliament rapporteur Christine Schneider. "We have heeded the calls from sectors facing difficulties and made sure that affected businesses, foresters, farmers and authorities will have an extra year to prepare."

In order to facilitate the transition, the European Commission has committed to make available by June 30, 2025 at the latest:

• An IT system dedicated to operators and traders
• A proposal to classify countries and regions according to risk

Regulation initially adopted in April 2023According to FAO data, between 1990 and 2020, 420 million hectares of forest will be lost globally - an area larger than the entire European Union - between 1990 and 2020. EU consumption accounts for about 101TPTP3T of global deforestation, most of which is associated with palm oil and soy production.

For this postponement to enter into force, the agreed text must be approved by the Council and published in the EU Official Journal before the end of 2024. A general review of the regulation is planned for June 30, 2028, when further measures to simplify and reduce the administrative burden for companies will be considered.