EUDR 2026: Industry perspectives on what comes next
Friday 6 Mar 2026
As the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) moves
toward its revised implementation date of December 30, 2026, industry
associations are offering differing perspectives on whether further
changes to the regulation are likely. Recent industry
discussions highlight both the evolving regulatory landscape and the
strategic decisions companies now face.
While interpretations vary, one message is increasingly consistent:
companies should be preparing for compliance as written, even amid
ongoing policy debate.
Overview of the 2025 EUDR Amendments
In 2025, the European Commission introduced amendments to address
concerns raised by member states and industry stakeholders. Key changes
include:
- One-Year Implementation Delay: The
regulation’s enforcement deadline was extended to December 30,
2026, providing additional preparation time for operators and downstream
actors.
- Simplification for Downstream Operators:
Obligations mainly now target the initial operator introducing
a product to the EU market. This first downstream operator needs to
obtain the Due Diligence Statement (DDS) number from the original
operator, but does not face extra geolocation or due diligence
obligations. Larger downstream operators might have limited liability if
they become aware of possible non-compliance.
- Simplified Declaration for Micro and Small Primary
Operators: Operators from low-risk countries can submit a
single simplified declaration, which only needs updating if there are
changes. This applies exclusively to products they have personally
produced and directly placed on the market.
The Commission is expected to conduct a formal “simplification
review” by April 30, 2026, potentially accompanied by a
legislative proposal “where appropriate.”
Despite these changes, significant structural components of the
regulation, including geolocation requirements and due diligence
documentation, remain intact.
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Source: ResourceWise
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