Commission Publishes Simplification Review of EU Deforestation Regulation

The European Commission has published a simplification review of the revised EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), alongside additional measures aimed at supporting the regulation’s implementation before it takes effect at the end of 2026.

The package includes a report to the European Parliament and Council, updated guidance documents and Frequently Asked Questions, a draft delegated act covering the regulation’s product scope, and revisions to the EUDR Information System. According to the Commission, the measures are designed to provide greater legal certainty and reduce administrative complexity for companies, Member States, and supply chain stakeholders.

The Commission said the simplification measures introduced since the EUDR entered into force in June 2023 are expected to reduce annual compliance costs for affected companies by approximately 75% compared with the original framework. Planned trade facilitation tools include repositories of producing-country legislation and certification schemes to support due diligence and risk assessment processes.

Updated guidance and FAQ documents clarify obligations for downstream operators and simplified requirements for micro and small primary operators. Additional explanations cover topics including e-commerce and geolocation requirements. The Commission also released revised supply chain infographics intended to illustrate practical compliance scenarios.

The draft delegated act proposes amendments to the regulation’s product scope, including the addition of certain downstream products such as soluble coffee and selected palm oil derivatives. Proposed exclusions include leather, retreaded tyres, certain packaging materials, product samples, second-hand products, and waste. Public consultation on the draft remains open until 1 June 2026.

The Commission is also updating the EUDR Information System to simplify declaration procedures and improve usability, including the introduction of voluntary grouping features requested by businesses.

The EUDR is intended to ensure that products sold in the EU do not contribute to global deforestation or forest degradation. The regulation covers commodities including cattle, wood, cocoa, soy, palm oil, coffee, and rubber, along with certain derived products. It will apply from 30 December 2026 for large and medium-sized companies and from 30 June 2027 for most micro and small enterprises.