On October 21, the European Commission presented a proposal for a set of simplifications to the EUDR (deforestation regulation).
The stated aim is to secure implementation, lighten downstream reporting obligations and ensure that the EUDR IT system keeps up. An initial postponement of 12 months had been decided for 2024.
In concrete terms, the European executive wants to concentrate the declaration obligation on the first distributor, who is often the importer, while allowing a six-month grace period for formalities for large and medium-sized companies from the end of 2025.
The most structuring new feature: a "single declaration" at the point of entry. A single submission to the EUDR system would cover the entire supply chain; downstream players (manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors) would no longer file a declaration, but would refer to that of the importer (example given of cocoa beans: a single declaration by the importer, no re-declaration by the chocolatier).
As for the timetable, the implementation date remains December 30, 2025 for medium-sized and large companies, with a 6-month ramp-up period for controls and enforcement. Please note that this grace period corresponds to a flexibility applied to reporting obligations and controls, not to an exemption from formalities.
For micro and small businesses, the proposed date is December 30, 2026.
Important point: the Commission calls on the Parliament and Council to adopt these adjustments swiftly, while preparing contingency plans, because if the amendment were not adopted in time, the 2025 framework would apply as originally defined, so it is necessary to bear in mind that this communication remains a proposal until the official text is published.
Article written by Jean-Marc Vandenbussche, Customs Consultant at MyTower
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