The EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR): The latest updates

Updated: December 2024

As the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) deadline approaches many are asking: Will it be delayed? With concerns raised by major exporters like Brazil and Indonesia, and the complexity of compliance requirements, businesses are uncertain about what comes next. A delay could offer companies more time to adjust, but it may also hinder progress in curbing global deforestation. So, what’s the latest?

Psst.. for a detailed breakdown of the EUDR, visit our blog: The EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR): what you need to know

Why is the EUDR important?
Deforestation is a leading cause of climate change and biodiversity loss, and the EU contributes to this by consuming products linked to deforestation. The EUDR aims to make sure that the EU:

Minimizes its global contribution to deforestation and forest degradation, helping to curb worldwide deforestation.
Reduces its role in greenhouse gas emissions and supports efforts to protect global biodiversity.

For more information, check out our blog: The EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR): what you need to know

Will EUDR be delayed?

Lately, there have been rumors and calls for the EU to delay the implementation of the EUDR based on concerns that the regulation is too complex and that EU:s supporting tools such as the country benchmarking database and its depository for due diligence statements are delayed. Operators and traders have raised concerns that the regulation may lead to unfair competition for small-scale farmers and certain countries.

Despite objections from major agricultural exporters like Brazil, India, Indonesia, and the US, the European Union reportedly stated it will not postpone the EUDR's implementation, which is set for December 30. This was announced during the World Trade Organization's (WTO) agriculture committee meeting on September 25 and 26.

In a press release on October 2, EU Commission announced that it has requested a 12-month delay. And explains that this extended timeline will allow for the development of additional guidance documents and more time for preparation by global partners and both EU-member states and third countries.

If approved by the European Parliament and the Council, the law would take effect on December 30, 2025, for large companies and June 30, 2026, for micro and small enterprises. With all the implementation tools technically ready, the additional 12 months can serve as a valuable phasing-in period to make sure a smooth and effective rollout.

Update! On October 16, 2024, the Council agreed to extend the implementation by one year and will now inform the European Parliament of its position, paving the way for the Parliament to make a decision. The goal is to have the regulation formally adopted by both co-legislators and published in the Official Journal of the EU, allowing it to enter into force by the end of the year. The date for the voting is yet to be determined. Rumor has it that in mid-November the EU will make final decision on whether to delay.

Update! On December 3, the Council of the European Union reached a temporary agreement with the European Parliament to postpone the implementation of the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) by 12 months. The new start dates are December 30, 2025, for large companies, and June 30, 2026, for small enterprises.

This delay is intended to give member states, businesses, and international partners more time to prepare for compliance. The regulation’s main goal remains unchanged: to reduce the EU's contribution to global deforestation by ensuring key commodities like palm oil, cattle, soy, coffee, cocoa, timber, and rubber, as well as their derivatives, are deforestation-free.

A final decision on this amendment is expected before December 30, 2024, to avoid the original regulation taking effect without these changes.

Key compliance deadlines (entered into force June 29, 2023)

Large companies: Must comply by December 2024
Small companies: Have until June 2025

Key compliance deadlines (new proposal)

Large companies: Must comply by December 2025
Small companies: Have until June 2026

EUDR compliance requirements: Key obligations for operators and traders

Operators and traders need to trace the geolocation of commodities, assess risks, and verify compliance with national laws. This includes products like beef, soybeans, palm oil, coffee, and wood.

Below is a table detailing obligations based on company size and type.

EUDR table (1)

Update! No changes in terms of substance. According to the provisional agreement, on December 3, the new suggestion will not affect the substance of the existing rules.

Will the EU Due Diligence database be ready in time?

In the press release shared on October 2nd, 2024, EU commission included an update of the tools for implementing the EUDR, the deforestation benchmarking database and the Due Diligence Registry.

The Commission is engaging in dialogues with key stakeholders in affected countries to spearhead the finalization of the country benchmarking system, with a proposed Implementing Act set for June 30, 2025.

Additionally, the Information System designed for businesses to register their due diligence statements will begin accepting registrations in early November 2024, with full functionality expected by December 2024. This allows operators and traders to register and submit their due diligence statements ahead of the law's enforcement, making sure they are well-prepared for compliance.

EUDR_DDS_timeline_758x389

Update! Optimized digital platform for information exchange

To facilitate efficient compliance, the EU Commission has committed to launching an optimized digital platform for information exchange between stakeholders and regulatory authorities, set to be fully operational six months before EUDR’s new deadline. This platform will support transparent data sharing and compliance tracking, helping businesses align with the new EUDR requirements more effectively.

What are the consequences of non-compliance with EUDR?

Non-compliance with the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) can result in serious penalties for operators and traders, including both financial and operational sanctions. Here’s what could happen if a company fails to meet the regulation’s requirements:

Fines: Companies may face fines amounting to at least 4% of their total annual EU-wide turnover.
Confiscation of products: The relevant products that do not comply with the EUDR can be confiscated by authorities.
Confiscation of revenues: Any revenues earned from transactions involving non-compliant products may also be seized.
Exclusion from public contracts: Companies could be temporarily excluded (up to 12 months) from public procurement processes, including access to public funding, grants, and tenders.
Market restrictions: A temporary prohibition may be placed on a company, preventing it from placing or exporting the relevant commodities or products on the market.
Restriction on simplified due diligence: Companies that commit serious or repeated violations may lose the ability to use simplified due diligence procedures, as outlined in Article 13 of the EUDR (Source: Article 25 of the EUDR.)

Non-compliance can seriously impact both the financial and operational standing of a company, making it essential to follow the regulation closely.

How to implement EUDR – the common denominator

The EUDR may seem complex with its many new requirements for companies, but it’s important to remember its core purpose: to reduce global deforestation by targeting high-risk commodities that contribute significantly to this issue. This regulation also aims to lower EU trade-related greenhouse gas emissions and promote long-term sustainable production, benefiting both people and the planet.

In practical terms, one common denominator applies to all companies:

Know your supply chain. Understand which suppliers are concerned and where the commodities were grown and produced!

While the commodities under the EUDR differ in features and supply chain complexity, this foundational step is essential for compliance and sustainability.

Worldfavor's digital tool can help you identify and track your EUDR commodities and derived products. Talk to a Worldfavor expert today to learn how!