The Council of the European Union has approved a new negotiating mandate to revise the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), aiming to simplify compliance obligations and postpone implementation deadlines. The decision responds to mounting concerns from businesses, member states, and supply-chain stakeholders over technical and administrative readiness.
Key Changes Adopted by the Council Uniform Delay to 30 December 2026
The Council has extended the EUDR application date to 30 December 2026 for all medium and large operators, eliminating the previously foreseen grace period. Micro and small operators will have until 30 June 2027, adding a six-month buffer to ease compliance pressures.
Streamlined Due Diligence Requirements
Due diligence statements will now primarily be required only from the first operator placing products on the EU market. Downstream companies will simply need to maintain and pass on the reference number.
Micro and small primary operators will benefit from a one-off simplified declaration, replacing the full due diligence process.
Administrative Burden Under Review
The European Commission has been tasked with conducting a simplification review by 30 April 2026, assessing the regulation’s impact—especially on smaller operators. The findings could lead to additional amendments to reduce compliance complexity.
Next Steps: Talks with European Parliament
Armed with its new mandate, the Council will begin negotiations with the European Parliament with the objective of reaching a final agreement well before the revised implementation deadline.
Why the Change?
Industry groups, member states, and NGOs have highlighted challenges in preparing for the EUDR’s technical requirements, including the rollout of the EU information system, geolocation data, and traceability tools. Stakeholders warned that premature enforcement could create bottlenecks, especially for small operators.
The Council’s approach seeks to preserve the regulation’s environmental goals while ensuring an orderly and feasible rollout.
Impact on Businesses
The extended deadlines give companies more time to build compliant due diligence systems and integrate traceability technologies. Small and micro-operators particularly gain from simplified processes that reduce administrative strain.
The Commission’s 2026 review may trigger further refinements, shaping the final regulatory landscape.
Reference: Deforestation - Update
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