Postponement of EU Deforestation Regulation

Regulation (EU) 2023/1115 ("EU Deforestation Regulation") was originally scheduled to enter into force on 30 December 2024. However, shortly before its effective date, its entry-into-force was postponed by Regulation (EU) 2024/3234to 30 December 2025 for large companies and to 30 June 2026 for micro and small companies. 

In addition, the Commission will publish a list of low and high-risk countries (or parts thereof) by 30 June 2025.

According to the legislator, such measures will allow third countries, Member States, operators and traders to make adequate preparations to ensure their compliance with their obligations under the EU Deforestation Regulation.

As a reminder, the EU Deforestation Regulation prohibits the placing or making available on the European market or the export of certain goods and products that may contribute to deforestation and forest degradation, unless such goods and products meet the following conditions:

• they are deforestation-free;
• they have been produced in accordance with the relevant legislation of the country of production; and
• they are covered by a due diligence statement.