EUDR could be delayed again under new proposal
12/11/2025
A negotiating draft dated November 10 proposes moving the law’s start date to December 30, 2026 for large companies and June 30, 2027 for smaller ones. The document, seen by Reuters, follows the European Commission’s recent attempt to ease compliance for smaller operators — but many member states said this did not go far enough.
The law bans imports of commodities such as cocoa, palm oil, beef, coffee, soy and rubber linked to forest destruction, forming a key part of the EU’s Green Deal. Initially due to take effect at the end of 2024, it was already pushed back once and remains controversial. Poland, Austria and others argue that the traceability rules are too complex for European producers to meet.
Environmental campaigners say another delay would damage EU credibility and slow progress on traceability. Antonie Fountain, head of the VOICE Network, called the timing “ironic” given that the UN climate talks are taking place this week in Brazil. Nicole Polsterer from Fern warned the move would stall the progress some producing countries have already made.
Major food companies including Nestlé, Ferrero and Olam Agri continue to back the regulation, warning that another postponement risks further forest loss and undermines the EU’s broader aim of simplifying business rules.
Final negotiations between EU nations and the European Parliament are expected by mid-December. Denmark, which currently chairs the EU Council, drafted the proposal and said the goal is to reach a quick consensus before the law’s current deadline. “Most Member States don’t want the law in its present form to enter into force by the end of the year,” a Danish spokesperson told Reuters.
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