The European Parliament has voted to simplify the EU’s deforestation law, voting a one year postponement for all companies until 30 December 2026 and simplification of due diligence requirements. The text was adopted by 402 votes to 250 and with 8 abstentions. Next steps are trilogue discussions expected to start under Danish Presidency next week on 4th December.
In more detail:One year postponement for all companies
According to Parliament’s position, companies will have an additional year to comply with new EU rules to prevent deforestation. Large operators and traders will now have to respect the obligations of this regulation as of 30 December 2026, and micro- and small enterprises from 30 June 2027. This additional time is intended to guarantee a smooth transition and to allow the implementation of measures to strengthen the IT system that operators, traders and their representatives use to make electronic due diligence statements.
Simplification of due diligence requirements
MEPs find that the onus on submitting a due diligence statement should fall on the businesses who first introduce the relevant product onto the EU market, and not the operators and traders that subsequently commercialise it.The changes by MEPs will also reduce the obligations for micro and small primary operators which would now only have to submit a one-off simplified declaration.
Parliament requested a simplification review by 30 April 2026 to assess the law’s impact and administrative burden.
Next steps
Parliament is now ready to start negotiations with member states on the final shape of the law, which has to be endorsed by both Parliament and the Council and published in the EU Official Journal before the end of 2025, for the one-year delay to enter into force.
Full details: EU deforestation law: Parliament supports simplification measures | News | European Parliament
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