EU deforestation law delay confirmed

European Union countries approved a year’s delay to the bloc’s anti-deforestation law, confirming the postponement of the world-first green policy. Originally, the law was set to take effect later this month.

Image Credit: Pexels

European Union countries have approved a 12-month delay to the bloc’s anti-deforestation law, finalizing a new start date of December 2025, according to a statement by the Council of the EU. The law, which aims to ban imports of soy, beef, coffee, palm oil, and other goods linked to deforestation, was originally slated to take effect this month.

The postponement represents a setback for the EU’s ambitious green agenda, which has faced resistance from industries and some governments concerned about the burdens of climate change regulations. However, the delay brings relief to companies and trading partners, including the United States and Brazil, who argue the policy could disrupt trade and prove difficult for firms to implement. The delayed law is set to be published in the EU’s official legal journal in the coming days.

Brazil and Indonesia labeled the law as protectionist, arguing that it could marginalize millions of small-scale, impoverished farmers by limiting their access to the EU market. The United States has also expressed criticism, highlighting delays in the EU’s rollout of a compliance system for producers to submit the required documentation.

The law, initially planned for implementation on December 30, 2024, requires businesses and traders to provide proof that their supply chains do not contribute to deforestation. This applies to products like wood, cocoa, rubber, chocolate, and furniture entering the EU market. Companies failing to comply risk fines or having their goods denied entry. European companies exporting commodities would be subject to the same obligations.

The EU also plans to classify countries as low, medium or high risk for deforestation, determining how rigorously customs authorities will check products for compliance.