EU Delays Anti-Deforestation Law by One Year

The postponement to December 2025 grants businesses more time to adapt but raises concerns about forest protection and climate commitments.

The EU has postponed the enforcement of its anti-deforestation regulation, originally set for December 2024, to December 30, 2025, for large companies and June 30, 2026, for small businesses.
The law aims to ban the import of goods linked to deforestation, including coffee, cocoa, soy, palm oil, and wood, requiring companies to prove their supply chains are sustainable.
The delay follows pressure from global producer nations, EU member states, and businesses citing concerns over readiness and potential trade barriers.
Proposals to weaken the law, such as a 'no risk' category with reduced checks for certain countries, were dropped after resistance from the EU Commission and member states.
Environmental groups and critics warn that the delay risks further deforestation and undermines the EU's climate leadership during a global ecological crisis.