A group of World Trade Organization (WTO) member countries called on the EU to delay implementing its Regulation on Deforestation-free products, at a meeting in Geneva on 23 and 24 May. The request comes from both developing and developed countries. Brazil, Indonesia, Ecuador, New Zealand, Australia and the United States are among those making the request.
The regulation has been the subject of criticism at the WTO since the European Commission proposed it in 2021. The group of countries that spoke in favour of postponing the text cited confusion over the system for labelling the origin of products and the limited time available to comply with the rules.
As a reminder, from 30 December 2024, importers of palm oil, cattle, soya, coffee, cocoa, wood, rubber or derived products will have to demonstrate that their products do not contribute to deforestation or forest degradation.
The European delegation tried to reassure WTO members about the regulation’s implementation. “The classification of high-risk and low-risk countries will be based on scientific data and internationally recognised sources”, insisted the Europeans at the WTO. And they point out that they believe the text complies with WTO rules.
The EU also mentioned that there were measures to support the countries affected, including a €7 million fund to help small players with geolocation and traceability requirements. (Original version in French by Léa Marchal)