Targeted measures proposed to ensure the implementation of the EU RD Regulation
The EU RD aims to ensure that certain products imported or placed on the EU market, such as wood, palm oil, cocoa, coffee, soy or leather, no longer contribute to deforestation or forest degradation, while respecting the laws of the producing country.
However, the European Commission is identifying implementation challenges, in particular related to the digital information system for implementation.
Here are the measures « Targeted » Proposed:
- The application of the EUDR for large and mediumsized enterprises is maintained at 30 December 2025.
- For micro and small enterprises, application is postponed until 30 December 2026.
- One grace period is also planned: for large/medium-sized enterprises, even if they have to comply by the end of 2025, effective controls and sanctions will begin later.
- Simplifications to ease obligations:
- For downstream operators (downstream operators), i.e. those who market or sell products after they enter the market, the proposal provides that they are no longer required to submit a full declaration of diligence (due diligence), but that they can rely on a single declaration made when the original operator enters the market.
- For micro and small primary holdings in low-risk countries, the proposal a simplified declaration, to be made only once, replacing the more complex obligations currently foreseen.
- The Commission insists that it is not a question of questioning the ambition of the law: the main architecture remains in place.
The simplification measures are welcomed by some actors, but NGOs and experts point out that they could open up the possibility of « loops » (loopholes) or weaken the effectiveness of the standard if it is not properly framed.
The retention of December 30, 2025 as the date of application for large and medium-sized enterprises is seen as a strong signal, aimed at not further delaying the implementation of the law.
These proposals still need to be approved by the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union before they can enter into force.