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Bid to cut deforestation costs for firms

The European Commission has unveiled measures aimed at reducing the administrative burden on companies arising from new rules on deforestation-free products.

The rules are aimed at stopping imports of goods that are linked to deforestation.

The EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) is due to apply across the EU from 30 December 2025.

The EU body estimates that the measures announced yesterday (15 April) will cut administration costs for companies by 30%.

Updated guidance

The commission has published updated guidance and frequently asked questions (FAQs) aimed at providing companies, member states' authorities, and non-EU countries with simplified measures and clarifications on how to demonstrate that their products are deforestation-free.

These measures are mainly aimed at reducing the number of due-diligence statements that companies have to file.

The EU body has also published draft legislation for public consultation.

Benchmarking system

It says that this provides “further clarifications and simplification” on the scope of the EUDR, and addresses stakeholders' request for guidance on specific categories of products.

The commission is also finalising the EUDR’s country-benchmarking system, with an implementing act to be adopted “no later than 30 June” after discussions with member states.

“We will continue to work very closely with all stakeholders, to ensure that our rules deliver on reducing global deforestation and forest degradation in the least burdensome way for companies,” said Jessika Roswall (Commissioner for Environment).