EU Deforestation Rules Effective Now

The E.U. Regulation on deforestation-free products entered into force June 29., primarily focused on the expansion of agricultural land linked to the production of commodities like soy, beef, palm oil, wood, cocoa, coffee, rubber and some of their derived products, such as leather, chocolate, tyres, or furniture.

Under the Regulation, any operator or trader who places these commodities on the EU market, or exports from it, must be able to prove that the products do not originate from recently deforested land or have contributed to forest degradation.

The new rules aim to

• avoid that the listed products Europeans buy, use and consume contribute to deforestation and forest degradation in the EU and globally
• reduce carbon emissions caused by EU consumption and production of the relevant commodities by at least 32 million metric tonnes a year
• address all deforestation driven by agricultural expansion to produce the commodities in the scope of the regulation, as well as forest degradation

The Regulation on deforestation-free products repeals the EU Timber Regulation. As of 29 June 2023, operators and traders will have 18 months to implement the new rules. Micro and small enterprises will enjoy a longer adaptation period, as well as other specific provisions.

[EU Regulation, FAQs etc]