The European Commission has adopted a targeted simplification package for the EU Regulation on Deforestation-Free Products (EUDR). The package aims to make implementation more efficient, reduces administrative burden, and improves predictability for operators along global supply chains, without weakening the Regulation’s core objective: products placed on the EU market are not linked to deforestation or forest degradation.
Official information on the package is available via the European Commission Press Corner – EUDR Simplification Package.
What the package provides
- On timeline: The package brings clarity – the entry into application is confirmed for end of 2026. The European Commission has stated on multiple occasions that there will be no further postponement.
- On legality assessments: Updated FAQ and guidance documents clarify that evidence collection for the legality criterion should be proportionate to risk. Higher-risk supply chains require more detailed documentation; lower-risk chains do not. This gives operators a clear basis for collecting evidence and data on legality.
- On product scope: Leather, samples, and retreaded tyres have been proposed to be excluded. Certain palm oil derivatives and soluble coffee have been proposed to be added. Clarifications for specific products’ categories (e.g. samples; packing materials; used and second-hand products). Proposed exclusion of leather and retreated tyres. Proposed inclusion of frozen cattle tongue, certain palm oil derivatives and soluble coffee. The list of inclusions and exclusions will be finalized in the coming weeks and published as a Delegated Act.
On trade facilitation tools: Two new repositories will be established;
a) on relevant legislation from countries of production and
b) on relevant certification schemes to facilitate compliance and legality assessments.
This provides operators with information to help them exercise due diligence, and competent authorities with information to perform relevant checks.
Team Europe supports deforestation-free value chains
The EU continues to support partner countries through a comprehensive cooperation framework within the Team Europe Initiative (TEI) on deforestation-free value chains. This initiative is a central mechanism for coordinated EU engagement, bringing together the EU Commission, EU Member States, international organisations and development agencies to support implementation on the ground.
Through the TEI, the EU is strengthening:
- Technical assistance for legality risk assessments, traceability systems and geolocation tools
- EUDR Readiness assessments and preparedness checks via EUDR Dry Run exercises
- Capacity-building for smallholder farmers and local cooperatives
- Forest governance and monitoring systems
- Sustainable agricultural practices and land-use planning
- Multistakeholder dialogue platforms and exchange formats
- Global learning and knowledge sharing measures
The European Commission´s Department General International Partnerships – DG INTPA plays a central role in ensuring that international support measures are aligned with EUDR implementation needs, particularly in partner countries where agriculture and forestry are key economic sectors.
A simplified but robust framework
The EUDR is a cornerstone of the EU’s climate and biodiversity agenda and an essential instrument in the global endeavours to end deforestation.
The revised framework maintains strong environmental safeguards while making compliance more practical. By reducing administrative burden and improving implementation clarity, the EU aims to ensure that sustainability requirements are both effective and achievable.
The Team Europe Initiative Secretariat acknowledges the simplification package as an effort to support a more efficient and inclusive implementation of the EUDR.
Find more information about EUDR Implementation here:
