EUDR Implementation Timeline Under Review as EU Faces Ongoing Challenges

The European Union’s Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) — aimed at stopping products linked to deforestation from reaching the EU market — may face another delay before full enforcement begins.

The regulation, which officially entered into force in June 2023, was already extended by one year. As it stands, compliance is required from 30 December 2025 for larger companies and from 30 June 2026 for small and micro businesses.

However, comments from EU Environment Commissioner Virginijus Sinkevičius indicate that the European Commission could postpone the implementation once again. The main reasons relate to technical issues with the EU’s new information system — which companies will use to submit Due Diligence Statements (DDS) — along with wider concerns about business readiness within the EU and among exporting nations.

Although no formal legislative change has been confirmed, discussions between the Commission and Council suggest that the current timeline is still being evaluated.

Once the regulation applies, companies placing in-scope products on the EU market will need to register a Due Diligence Statement electronically. Each submission generates a unique DDS number, serving as proof of compliance. This number must be shared with distributors and, for non-EU manufacturers, registered with their appointed EU Authorised Representative.

Regardless of any delay, the deforestation-free obligations remain in place. Businesses trading in timber, coffee, cocoa, soy, palm oil, rubber and cattle products should continue preparing their traceability and documentation systems to meet the EUDR’s due diligence requirements.

We will provide updates as soon as the EU confirms any official changes to the implementation schedule.

Further Reading

• EUDR Overview and Compliance Guide
• For a brief overview read our EUDR FAQs

Our product compliance experts here at Product Compliance Support can help you interpret the EUDR and understand what the regulation means for your products. We’ll guide you through your next steps toward compliance.