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EU Deforestation Regulation Faces Further Delay Amid Technical Challenges

The European Union’s Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) – intended to prevent products linked to deforestation from entering the EU market – looks set for another possible postponement.

The law, which entered into force in June 2023, has since been subject to further extensions. The main obligations are currently due to apply from 30 December 2026 for large and medium-sized businesses, and from 30 June 2027 for small and micro businesses.

However, recent comments from EU Environment Commissioner Virginijus Sinkevičius suggest that the European Commission is considering an additional delay. The key reasons cited include technical difficulties with launching the EU’s online information system – the platform through which companies must file their due diligence statements – and wider concerns about market readiness across both EU Member States and exporting countries.

While no official amendment has been published, ongoing discussions between the Commission and the Council indicate that the timeline remains under review.

Once enforcement begins, companies placing affected products on the EU market will be required to submit a Due Diligence Statement (DDS) electronically. Each statement produces a unique DDS number, confirming compliance with EUDR requirements. This number must be provided to distributors and, where applicable, recorded with an appointed EU Authorised Representative for non-EU manufacturers.

Even if deadlines shift again, the underlying rules do not. Businesses dealing in timber, rubber, coffee, cocoa, soy, palm oil, cattle and derived products should continue developing traceability and due diligence systems in preparation for the regulation’s full application.

Updates will follow once the EU formally confirms any changes to the implementation schedule.

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