The European Commission on Tuesday proposed softening the EU’s anti-deforestation law.
Historical law, known as EUDR And adopted in 2023, it banned the import of products that promote deforestation and was praised by environmentalists.
The law has faced opposition from major trading partners such as Brazil and the United States, who argue that increased paperwork and higher costs will hurt businesses.
The proposed changes to the law still require the approval of member states and the European Parliament.
EU sets deadline for changes to deforestation laws
It was due to come into force in late 2024, but was then postponed twice, with the current deadline set for late 2026.
On Tuesday, the EU Commission proposed ending the second moratorium, extending the deadline to the end of 2025, while smaller companies will still have to comply until the end of 2026.
The changes give larger companies a six-month grace period.
What types of deforestation-related goods are affected by EUDR?
Commodities that may be affected by this measure include coffee, cocoa, soy, timber, palm oil, cattle, printing paper and rubber.
Under the law, companies importing goods into the EU must provide a statement indicating that they do not come from areas affected by deforestation. For this, companies will also be required to provide geolocation and satellite data.
In its Tuesday recommendation, the Commission removed the requirement that companies buying, processing and selling such commodities also have to submit details of deforestation.
Now, this remedy will be limited to the importers themselves. Small-holder producers will also only be required to provide a one-time declaration.
Edited by: Jennifer Cimino Gonzalez