As the second largest importer of raw materials related to deforestation, the European Union is responsible for 16% of the destruction associated with international trade.
Brussels wants to set an example by proposing the world's first law to end imported deforestation. The text providesprohibitionplacing on the market of basic products and derivativesfrom a deforested parcel after 31 December 2020. The following are concerned:coffee, cocoa, wood, palm oil, soy and beefbut also certain derivatives such asleather, chocolateandfurniture.
Companies placing products on the European market will have to introduce adue diligence systemIncluding:
- Thegeolocationof theplotswhere the commodities were manufactured;
- Onetraceability systemstrict: importer declarations will be integrated into a database available to States to ensure compliance.
The European Union could sanction companies that do not comply with these requirements. At the same time, the Commission would like to build a ranking of exporting countries according to the risks of deforestation with strengthened controls for products from high-risk areas.
The NGOs working on the subject welcome this progress, but note several shortcomings:
- Onetoo small perimeter: only forests are concerned, without taking into account other natural areas such as savannah or peatlands;
- Certain products such as maize, rubber and pork, whose cultivation or rearing have a very strong impact on deforestation are not taken into account;
- The absence of safeguards for the protection ofrights of indigenous peoples and local communitiessubject to expropriation, land grabbing, threats and violence;
- Lackmirror measurements,which would make it possible to impose European traceability rules (e.g. beef) on EU trading partners, and which the Commission would monitor in exporting countries.
They hope that their comments will be considered when the text is examined by Parliament and the Council.
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