On Tuesday 15 April, the European Commission introduced measures to simplify the implementation of the EU Regulation on Imported Deforestation (EUDR).
The text bans imports into the EU of products (palm oil, beef, soya, coffee, etc.) whose production has contributed to forest degradation after 2020.
The guidelines and frequently asked questions (FAQ) have been updated to allow large companies to re-use due diligence statements when importing goods already placed on the EU market, and to allow them to submit their due diligence statements once a year, rather than each time a consignment is shipped or placed on the EU market.
The Commission has also published a delegated act to clarify the scope of the regulation on imported deforestation.
In its delegated act, the Commission specified, for example, that neither waste, second-hand and used products nor product samples used by businesses to solicit orders from new suppliers fall within the scope of the EUDR, so as not to discourage circular practices.
The delegated act is set to “enter into force on the day following that of its publication” in the Official Journal of the European Union in order to give economic operators, competent authorities and customs authorities time to prepare.
Delayed by one year (see EUROPE 13547/26), the EUDR is scheduled to come into force at the end of 2025. The Commission is still working on finalising its system for classifying countries at risk.
To see the delegated act, go to https://aeur.eu/f/gfz (Original version in French by Florent Servia)