EU Delays Deforestation Law Amid Global Pushback

The European Commission proposes a one-year delay for its anti-deforestation regulation after criticism from international partners and industries.

The EU's Deforestation Regulation, originally set to take effect in December 2024, will be postponed to December 2025 for large companies and June 2026 for small enterprises.
The regulation aims to ban the sale of products linked to deforestation, affecting commodities like cocoa, coffee, soy, palm oil, and rubber.
Critics argue the regulation could harm trade, affect small farmers, and act as a barrier for countries with significant forest resources, including Brazil, Indonesia, and Malaysia.
Environmental groups and former EU officials criticize the delay, warning it undermines efforts to combat climate change and protect biodiversity.
The European Commission cited uneven preparedness among stakeholders as a reason for the delay, and has issued guidance to clarify compliance requirements.