Parliament adopts agreement to delay EUDR implementation

European Parliament has adopted the provisional agreement to delay the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), the governing body announced today.

The agreement passed with 546 votes to 97. There were seven abstentions.

Earlier this month, Parliament had made the provisional agreement with European Council to postpone the application of EUDR by one year, adding an official vote to the agenda of its Dec. 16-19 plenary session. This agreement also omitted the proposed amendment of creating a "zero risk" category, proposed by the European People's Party.

With Parliament's approval today, the next step now is to get the regulation's agreed text endorsed by the EU Council and published in the EU Official Journal before the end of 2024, Parliament outlined in the Dec. 17 news release.

The postponement means large operators and traders now must comply with EUDR's obligations by Dec. 30, 2025—rather than by the end of this year—and micro- and small enterprises by June 30, 2026.

"This additional time is intended to help companies around the world implement the rules more smoothly from the date of application, without undermining the objectives of the law," according to Parliament.

The European Commission also has committed to ensuring the information system and the proposal for the risk classification of countries and regions will be available no later than June 30, 2025.

The EC officially launched the EUDR Information System Dec. 6, as well as a replica training server, called the Acceptance Server, to support users in familiarizing themselves with the submission process.

"With a general review of the regulation expected no later than (June 30, 2028), the Commission will analyze additional measures to simplify and reduce the administrative burden for companies," Parliament said.

The European Tyre and Rubber Manufacturers' Association issued a statement Dec. 17, welcoming "the clarity brought by the EU Parliament's vote" on EUDR.

"The (rubber) industry has been working on the objectives of the regulation long before its proposal, notably through its active participation in the Global Platform for Sustainable Natural Rubber."

ETRMA said it will continue working toward the "effective implementation of the EUDR and will use the extended implementation timeline to improve existing systems.

"This includes extending the mapping of smallholders to reach a wider supply shed, supporting them in the process, and refining Annex I to avoid unintended consequences on the sector's circular economy practices," it said.

"Clear timelines and practical guidance are essential for our industry to comply effectively with the EUDR," ETRMA Secretary General Adam McCarthy said in a statement. "We are eager to continue working with EU policymakers to find solutions that benefit the entire supply chain."