Revised European Deforestation Regulation Unveiled
On May 4, 2026, the European Commission revealed a revised version of the European Union's Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), a text aimed at preventing the importation of products linked to forest destruction into the European market.
Background
Initially adopted in 2023 as part of the European Green Deal, the regulation targets several commodities considered responsible for a significant portion of global deforestation, including:
- Cocoa
- Coffee
- Soy
- Palm oil
- Timber
- Rubber
- Livestock
Companies marketing these products in the European Union must prove that they do not originate from deforested lands after December 31, 2020.
Simplifications and Modifications
In response to criticism from businesses and exporting countries regarding the complexity of the regulation, Brussels has introduced a series of simplifications to facilitate its implementation without compromising the environmental objectives of the text. The main modifications include:
- Transferring the primary responsibility for due diligence to the first operator placing the products on the European market
- Requiring downstream actors to conserve and transmit traceability information without having to submit complete new declarations
- Introducing a simplified regime for micro and small enterprises, particularly in countries classified as "low risk"
- Allowing these operators to use streamlined procedures and simplified declarations
Adjustments to Covered Products
The European Commission has also proposed several adjustments concerning the products covered by the regulation, including:
- Adding certain transformed products, such as instant coffee or palm oil derivatives, to the list
- Excluding other products, such as leather, retreaded tires, certain packaging, or second-hand products
- A public consultation remains open until June 1, 2026
Unchanged Principles
Despite these modifications, the core principle of the regulation remains unchanged. Companies must still demonstrate that their products do not contribute to deforestation or forest degradation and comply with the laws of the country of origin. Geolocation obligations for agricultural parcels also remain in place.
Implementation Timeline
The regulation is set to come into effect on:
- December 30, 2026, for large and medium-sized enterprises
- June 30, 2027, for small businesses
Global Implications
This reform is being closely watched in Africa, as several countries on the continent are significant exporters of cocoa, coffee, timber, or rubber to Europe. Many states have already begun investing in digital traceability systems and geolocation technologies to meet the new European requirements.
