EU Proposes Softer Rollout of Deforestation Law With Grace Period and Fewer Filings

Overview

• Medium and large companies keep a start date at the end of 2025 with a six‑month window without sanctions for non‑compliance.
• Small businesses would have until the end of 2026 to meet the requirements.
• Only first importers must file due‑diligence declarations with geolocation and satellite data, exempting downstream buyers, processors and sellers.
• A lighter regime would allow small producers in the EU and in low‑risk countries to submit a single declaration at registration.
• The proposal preserves the ban on goods produced on land deforested after December 2020 and now goes to the European Parliament and Council for approval.