The European Commission has published a report on the simplification of the revised EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) with a set of further measures for its implementation which include exemption for leather imports.
The EU Deforestation Regulation aims to ensure that key goods placed on the EU market do not contribute to deforestation and forest degradation, both within the EU and globally as they are among the most significant contributors to climate change and biodiversity loss. The main driver of deforestation is the expansion of agricultural land linked to the production of seven commodities covered by the regulation – cattle, wood, cocoa, soy, palm oil, coffee, rubber, and some of their derived products.
Under the Regulation, any operator or trader who places these commodities on the EU market, or exports from it, must be able to prove that the products do not originate from recently deforested land or have contributed to forest degradation.
The new measures include a report, updated guidance document and Frequently Asked Questions, and a draft delegated act on the product scope of the EUDR. In addition, the Commission is presenting an updated implementing act on the Information System to Member States.
The report describes the simplification measures that have been implemented since the entry into force of the EUDR in June 2023, as well as those introduced in today’s package. The measures together expected to lead to reduction in red tape, reducing annual compliance costs for companies subject to EUDR obligations by about 75%, compared to the original EUDR. It also presents planned trade facilitation tools, such as repositories of legislation of producing countries and certification schemes for commodities under the EUDR, to facilitate risk assessment and due diligence.
The updated guidance document and Frequently Asked Questions clarify obligations for the downstream supply chain, and a simplified regime for micro and small primary operators. Explanations are provided on issues such as e-commerce and geolocation modalities.
The draft delegated act includes proposed additions of certain downstream products, such as soluble coffee and certain palm oil derivatives. It also proposes several exclusions of the scope, such as leather or retreaded tyres, as well as exemptions such as product samples, certain packing materials, used and second-hand products, and waste. The draft Delegated Act is open for public feedback until 1 June 2026.
In parallel, the Commission is updating the Information System to reflect the changes introduced by the revised Regulation and enhance the user friendliness of the system. Main developments will include a simplified declaration form for micro and small primary operators, aligned with the existing due diligence statement format; updated specifications for the automated application interfaces; a contingency plan for unplanned unavailability; and a voluntary grouping feature introduced in response to requests from the business sector.
The Commission says it is focused on facilitating implementation, and ensuring a successful entry into application of the law by 30 December 2026.
Report to the European Parliament and Council
Draft delegated act on the product scope of the EUDR
Commission website on EU Deforestation Regulation implementation
EUDR supply chain infographics mapping the roles and responsibilities of operators
