The Commission said it wanted to make sure that the IT system is fully operational to address the EU’s contribution to the global challenge of deforestation.
In its latest proposal it will simplify reporting obligations for micro and small businesses and EUDR will be implemented for them on 30 December 2026.
The regulations for large and medium size businesses comes into force in 30 December 2025 but with a six-month grace period for checks and enforcements due to IT issues.
The Commission called on the European Parliament and the Council to swiftly adopt the proposal for an extended implementation period by the end of year 2025.
Last month, the EU Commission announced a further delay to the anti-deforestation rules citing IT issues.
The EU’s environment commissioner Jessika Roswall had stated her intention to postpone the EUDR by another 12 months due to IT capacity concerns.
The law had originally been set to come into force on 30 December 2024 for large companies and 30 June 2025 for smaller enterprises.
An initial delay was announced in October 2024 after pushback from “international partners about their state of preparations”.
Nicole Rycroft, founder & CEO of Canopy, an environmental non-profit organisation, said: “The decision to move forward with the EUDR this year is a welcome course correction by the European Commission.
“It’s a powerful signal that Europe remains committed to protecting the world’s forests and building an economy fit for the 21st century - an especially meaningful message on the eve of this year’s COP in the Amazon. It shows what’s possible when governments, businesses, and innovators move together toward a common goal: building supply chains that are both sustainable and resilient.”
Rycroft said that while there are 6- and 12-month delays related to non-compliance penalties and small business compliance, she still expects the regulation will ultimately be implemented in full force.
“Across the fashion, packaging, and food sectors, many companies are already proving that deforestation-free and circular sourcing is both achievable and economically smart,” she added.
“With policy momentum back on track, business certainty will be strengthened. Now, the opportunity is to accelerate, to mobilise new investment and make Next Gen materials and forest protection the foundation of the global economy."
