Approved EUDR amendments: implementation postponed by one year and reduced administrative burden for businesses

On Thursday, the Council of the European Union officially approved amendments to Regulation (EU) 2023/1115 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 31 May 2023 on deforestation-free products (EUDR). The amendments simplify due diligence requirements and postpone the application of the EUDR: for large and medium enterprises until 30 December 2026, and for micro and small enterprises until 30 June 2027. These decisions were taken in response to concerns raised by Member States and stakeholders regarding administrative burden and the insufficient preparedness of the EUDR information system.

The amendments also provide that the European Commission will carry out a simplification review by 30 April 2026 and submit a report assessing the impact of the EUDR and the associated administrative burden. Where appropriate, the report will be accompanied by a new legislative proposal.

The EUDR amendments will enter into force three days after their publication in the Official Journal of the European Union, which is expected to take place by the end of this year.