Tue Sep 24 03:57:13 UTC 2024: ## EU Deforestation Law Faces Uncertain Future Amidst Calls for Delay
**Brussels** – The European Union’s new Regulation on Deforestation-Free Products (EUDR), aimed at curbing deforestation linked to commodity production, faces increasing uncertainty as the December deadline for its implementation approaches.
While the law has been welcomed by environmental groups, concerns have been raised by businesses and some policymakers who argue that the current timeline is too tight.
German Food and Agriculture Minister Cem Özdemir, supported by conservative members of the European Parliament, has called for a six-month delay, citing the need for clarity and sufficient time for businesses to prepare for compliance.
The European Commission, in an attempt to quell growing alarm, has promised to issue additional guidelines in the spring. However, these guidelines have yet to be published, leaving businesses unsure about their obligations.
Center-left MEPs, however, are urging the Commission to stick to the original timeline, arguing that any delay would undermine the law’s effectiveness.
The EUDR, which came into force in June 2022, mandates that companies importing or exporting certain commodities into the EU market prove that their products are not linked to deforestation or forest degradation.
The law applies to soy, oil palm, rubber, wood, coffee, cacao, and cattle. Companies will need to gather geolocation data and conduct due diligence to demonstrate compliance.
The complexity of the requirements, particularly for smallholder farmers in developing countries, has raised concerns about the impact on European supply chains.
While industry insiders believe the core requirements of the EUDR will remain, they suggest a possible “soft launch” with a transition period, delaying full enforcement until 2025 or 2026.
Certification bodies, such as ISCC, are advising companies to continue preparing for full enforcement in December, as any delay remains uncertain.
Environmental campaigners are urging the Commission to expedite the issuance of guidelines and avoid weakening the law. They argue that large companies, not smallholders, are primarily responsible for deforestation and should invest in supporting compliance efforts.
The EUDR is seen as a key test of the new political landscape in the EU, where the balance between environmental ambitions and economic realities will be crucial. The upcoming months will reveal whether the law will be implemented as intended or face significant delays and adjustments.
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