Deforestation – Madagasca – Photo by Cunningchrisw
(BRUSSELS) – The EU Regulation on deforestation-free supply chains, seen as a key building block in the fight against climate change and biodiversity loss, entered into force on Thursday.
The Regulation means that companies will have to confirm that the product has been produced on land that has not been subject to deforestation or forest degradation, including of primary forests, after 31 December 2020.
While no country or commodity will be banned, all relevant companies will have to conduct strict due diligence if they export or place on the EU market palm oil, cattle, soy, coffee, cocoa, timber and rubber as well as derived products such as beef, furniture, or chocolate listed in the Annex to the Regulation upon the entry into application of the new rules in 18 months.
The list of commodities that are covered will be regularly reviewed and updated, taking into account new data such as changing deforestation patterns.
Companies will also have to verify that these products comply with relevant legislation of the country of production, including on human rights, and that the rights of affected indigenous peoples have been respected.
“This law responds to the internationally shared objective to end deforestation and will benefit people around the globe,” said EU Environment Commissioner Virginijus Sinkevicius: “Forests serve vital needs and provide work and jobs for millions of people. This law will not only help protect the world’s forests, it will also boost the demand for deforestation-free products. All countries will be able to continue selling their commodities in the EU, provided they can prove they are deforestation-free.”
The Commission will also engage in dialogues with third countries to facilitate the implementation of the Regulation, and to jointly address the root causes of deforestation and forest degradation and to reduce deforestation risks.
Following the entry into force, operators and traders now have 18 months to prepare to comply.
The Commission has issued a Frequently Asked Questions document to support the compliance of operators and traders, in particular SMEs, with the requirements of this Regulation.
Proposal for a new Regulation to curb EU-driven deforestation and forest degradation
Question and Answers on Commission’s proposal on New rules for deforestation-free products
EU Deforestation Regulation - guide
