This week, the European Commission proposed a 12-month delay to the implementation of the bloc’s new anti-deforestation legislation. The proposal came after various global partners and European importers expressed concerns about the preparation time needed to comply with the new rules.
The legislation sets barriers on the importation of agricultural products produced in areas that have been deforested after 2020. It will impact trade in wood derivatives, cocoa, coffee, soy, palm oil, beef, and rubber.
Hailed as a landmark in the fight against climate change, the regulation faces opposition from authorities and producers in several countries, including Brazil, China, the U.S., and Australia. There have also been widespread warnings from the sector that the law would disrupt EU supply chains and increase prices.
About 20 of the 27 EU member states asked Brussels in March to limit and possibly suspend the law, stating it would harm the bloc’s own farmers.
The proposed delay will need approval from the European Parliament and member states, the Commission said. If approved by the Parliament and the European Council, the new regulations will apply starting on December 30, 2025, for large companies, and June 30, 2026, for small businesses.
Details
The European Commission also released new guidelines and information about the new rules to provide more clarity to companies and law enforcement authorities.
For instance, it clarified that the law does not apply to livestock and its derivatives, such as leather, if the animal was born before the law took effect. According to the information provided, the law will apply to livestock born after June 29, 2023, when the regulation came into force.