On 2 October the European Commission published additional guidance and a stronger framework for international cooperation to support stakeholders, member states and third countries as they prepare for the implementation of the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). In light of the feedback received from international partners on the progress of their preparations, the Commission proposes to give stakeholders additional time to get ready. If the European Parliament and the European Council approve it, the legislation will apply from 30 December 2025 – for large companies and 30 June 2026 – for micro and small enterprises. Since all implementation instruments are technically ready, these additional 12 months can serve as a phasing-in period to ensure the regulation is implemented properly and effectively.

The guidelines published today provide additional clarity for companies and enforcement authorities in order to make the rules easier to apply, and they will build on the support the Commission has given stakeholders since the regulation was adopted. At the same time, the Commission acknowledges that, three months before the intended date of application, a number of global partners have repeatedly voiced concerns about how ready they are to implement and comply with the regulation, most recently – during the week of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. Moreover, in Europe too the state of stakeholders' preparations varies widely. While many hope that intensive preparatory work will leave them ready in time, others have raised serious concerns.

Given the innovative nature of the EUDR, the rapid implementation timetable and the diversity of the international stakeholders involved, the Commission considers that an additional 12 months for the system to be phased in is a balanced solution that will support stakeholders worldwide while ensuring the regulation is introduced smoothly. With this step, the Commission seeks to provide certainty about the way forward and to secure the success of the EUDR, which is crucial for addressing the EU's contribution to the urgent global problem of deforestation. The proposal to extend the deadline for implementing the regulation in no way calls into question the objectives or the substance of the legislation agreed by the EU legislators.

https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_24_5009