A year-long extension to the European Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) transition period has been proposed by the European Commission, amidst concerns raised from international partners and affected parties that further preparations were necessary.
The EUDR is set to prohibit the import of cocoa, coffee, cattle, soy, oil palm, timber, rubber and related products like paper and card, which have been produced on land deforested after 2020.
Alongside the proposed delay, the Commission also published additional guidance documents, intended to inform and support industry stakeholders through the upcoming legislation, and encourage a “stronger international cooperation framework,” says the Commission.
If the proposal is approved by the European Parliament and the Council, large companies will now have until 30 December 2025 to comply, and micro and small enterprises by 30 June 2026.
It is hoped that the newly published guidance, combined with the transition period extension, will enable companies to adequately phase in their preparations, ensuring proper implementation, as well as uniform application across stakeholders.
Many are welcoming the delay, such as Cepi, the European association representing the paper industry. The EU pulp and paper sector, represented by Cepi, has been pushing for an adequate EUDR transition phase. Jori Ringman, Cepi director general, commented: “The EUDR is too important not to get it right. We certainly do not ignore the environmental crisis and the climate emergency, which the EUDR is designed to help solve. Nor is our industry a source of deforestation. From a business angle, deforestation is major reputational risk for any industry; our industry also depends on healthy forests for our own future.
“We fully support the objectives of the EUDR, and with this new timeline, we believe that the EU and its trade partners now have a much better chance at finally eradicating deforestation.”
Meanwhile, others are concerned that the delay commences a watering-down of the original policy, and that those who have already undertaken the necessary preparations will face financial losses at the delay.
FSC International’s system performance director, Dr Joanna Nowakowska, commented: “Our mission, Forests For All, Forever, remains at the heart of our efforts. We have worked diligently to prepare solutions that support businesses in meeting their EUDR obligations ahead of the original deadline, and our commitment to this cause remains unwavering.”
IMAGE: courtesy of UPM Communications Papers
