Deforestation is largely driven by the expansion of agricultural land that is linked to the production of commodities like soy, beef, palm oil, wood, cocoa, coffee, rubber and some of their derived products, such as leather, chocolate, tyres, or furniture. As a major economy and consumer of these commodities linked to deforestation and forest degradation, the EU introduced regulation to prevent deforestation.
Under the regulation, any operator or trader who places these commodities on the EU market, or exports from it, must be able to prove that the products do not originate from recently deforested land or have contributed to forest degradation.
The regulation on deforestation-free products repeals the EU Timber Regulation. As of 29 June 2023, operators and traders will have 18 months to implement the new rules. Micro and small enterprises will enjoy a longer adaptation period, as well as other specific provisions.The amendment brought by Regulation (EU) 2024/3234 postpones the date of application of the EUDR’s operational obligations (for large‑scale operators/traders) from 30 December 2024 to 30 December 2025 and for micro‑ and small enterprises, to 30 June 2026.
