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The European Parliament has approved a one-year extension for companies to comply with the EU deforestation regulation, giving large operators until 30 December 2025 and micro- and small enterprises until 30 June 2026. The extension addresses concerns from member states and stakeholders about the feasibility of meeting the original timeline.

The regulation, implemented by EU National Customs and Competent Authorities, aims to combat deforestation linked to EU consumption of products such as cocoa, coffee, palm oil, and soya. In addition to the deadline extension, a new "no risk" category has been introduced for countries with stable or increasing forest areas, reducing their compliance requirements. The European Commission will finalise the country benchmarking system by mid-2025.

The deforestation law, adopted in April 2023, has been in force since June 2023. The updated timeline must now be approved by both the Council and Parliament to take effect.

In June 2024, CLECAT, together with other industry representatives, issued a joint letter calling for an implementation delay until the Deforestation Information System is fully operational, with adequate training and testing available to all stakeholders. CLECAT welcomes the Parliament’s decision to approve a one-year postponement, as this additional time is essential for raising awareness, conducting thorough testing, and refining the implementation of this complex and far-reaching legislation.

Source: European Parliament