EUDR One Year Delay Confirmed: How To Use This Time Wisely
After months of political games, the Council and Parliament reached a provisional agreement on a one-year delay of the EU Deforestation Regulation.
This agreement will now need to gain final approval, with the Parliament plenary vote expected on 16-19 December, after which it will be published in the EU Official Journal and enter into force three days after.
This marks an end to a turbulent couple of months, and finally provides legal certainty to companies. What will now change?
Applicability delay
The applicability dates will now shift with one year (12 months) respectively
EU Timber Regulation (EUTR)
The delay also means that the EUTR will be repealed one year later, on 30 December 2025.
This means that the EUTR will continue to apply until 31 December 2028 to timber and timber products that were produced before 29 June 2023 and placed on the market from 30 December 2025.
EU country risk classification
There will also be a delay in the adoption of the country classification list, i.e. the list of countries that are classified as low or high risk. This list will be made available through implementing acts before or on 30 June 2025.
While the proposed amendment by the parliament on the additional “no risk” classification was dropped, the Commission will by the next review (30 June 2028) consider simplified requirements for countries with proven sustainable forest management practices.
Brake mechanism
In case the Commission fails to provide the Country Risk Classification by the 30 June 2025, or an operational EUDR Information System by the 30 December 2025, there is an option to postpone the regulation further.
What companies should do now
Companies should make the most of the additional 12 months to
Establish an EUDR Due Diligence Framework
Raise awareness and capacity with their employees and suppliers
Map the supply chains for their in-scope products
Collect data, information and documentation
Perform risk assessments
Taking these steps in the next 12 months will set you up for a smooth transition to implementation when the EUDR starts applying a year from now.
Check out our EUDR Checklist and more EUDR resources to learn more or reach out to info@qima.com to discuss how we can help you.
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