EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR)

European Commission Publishes EUDR Simplification Review and Further Simplification Measures

In May 2026, the European Commission published its mandated simplification review of the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), outlining implemented and planned measures to reduce compliance burdens and clarify obligations ahead of entry into application in late 2026 and 2027. The package refines product scope, eases due diligence and information-system requirements especially for micro and small operators and downstream actors, and signals that the core legal framework will remain stable, enabling companies to finalise EUDR implementation plans with greater certainty and focus on higher-risk supply chains.

12 May 2026, 12:55environment.ec.europa.euEuropean Union

EU Draft Delegated Regulation Amending Annex I to the EU Deforestation Regulation

The European Commission has issued a draft Delegated Regulation to amend Annex I to the EU Deforestation Regulation (EU) 2023/1115, tightening and clarifying the list of CN codes and excluded product categories subject to deforestation due diligence rules. If adopted, this will broaden and refine EUDR obligations across cattle, coffee, palm-based oleochemicals, rubber and wood supply chains while giving operators and customs clearer legal boundaries on what products, wastes, samples and packaging fall in or out of scope.

7 May 2026, 08:08eur-lex.europa.euEuropean UnionEuropean Economic Area

EU Commission Publishes EUDR Simplification Review and Draft Product-Scope Delegated Act

The European Commission has published its simplification review of the EU Deforestation Regulation alongside updated guidance, FAQs, and a draft delegated act adjusting EUDR product scope, ahead of the law’s phased application from late 2026. This package is expected to cut compliance costs by about 75 percent, clarify obligations for downstream and SME operators, and gives companies a short window to influence final product coverage and prepare IT and due diligence systems for the new deforestation-free requirements.

7 May 2026, 07:38ec.europa.euEuropean Union

EU Commission Updates Fifth Iteration of FAQs on the EU Deforestation Regulation

In late April 2026, the European Commission released a fifth-iteration update of its FAQ guidance on the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), uploading the revised document via its CIRCABC “Forests” library. This confirms that EUDR implementation guidance is still evolving, so companies in scope should obtain the latest FAQs and check for any changes that could affect how they design due diligence, data collection, and supplier engagement for deforestation-free supply chains.

5 May 2026, 06:55circabc.europa.euEuropean Union

UK HMRC Updates 1RM Additional Procedure Code Restrictions for NIRMS SPIMM Movements to Northern Ireland

HMRC has tightened the conditions and restrictions for using Additional Procedure Code 1RM under the Northern Ireland Retail Movement Scheme, further refining SPIMM guidance for GB-to-NI agri-food and non-licensable excise movements as of late April 2026. This narrows when traders can benefit from licence waivers, confirming that goods requiring licences under regimes like EU REACH or the EU Deforestation Regulation cannot use the 1RM simplified route and must instead follow full documentation and control processes.

29 Apr 2026, 18:15gov.ukUnited Kingdom

UK HMRC Updates SPIMM APC 1RM For Non-Licensable Excise Goods And EU Deforestation Regulation

HMRC has updated the SPIMM/UK Carrier guidance so that APC 1RM, used by Northern Ireland Retail Movement Scheme traders for eligible agri-food products, can now be applied to non-licensable excise goods but can no longer be used for any goods falling under the EU Deforestation Regulation. Traders moving GB-to-NI agri-food and excise products must now reassess when 1RM is appropriate, checking both excise licensing status and EUDR commodity coverage to avoid rejected declarations or non-compliant use of simplified procedures.

28 Apr 2026, 18:15gov.ukUnited Kingdom

EU Council Adopts Conclusions on Energy and Climate Diplomacy

In April 2026 the Council of the EU adopted wide-ranging conclusions on energy and climate diplomacy, setting priorities for energy security, climate action, global partnerships, and a review of the Climate Change and Defence Roadmap by end-2026. While non-binding, this signals strong political backing for vigorous implementation of CBAM, the EU Deforestation Regulation, methane rules and a future plastics treaty, foreshadowing tighter climate, deforestation and methane expectations on global trade partners and supply chains.

25 Apr 2026, 10:49data.consilium.europa.euEuropean Union

Ukraine and World Bank Agree Environment and Climate Cooperation Priorities

Ukraine’s economy–environment ministry and the World Bank have agreed priority areas for cooperation on biodiversity, hazardous waste, forests and carbon markets as part of Ukraine’s EU-aligned green transition. This agenda does not yet create new legal obligations but signals forthcoming reforms to hazardous-waste systems, forest governance and a national carbon market that are likely to align with EU rules such as the deforestation-free products regulation.

16 Apr 2026, 15:52me.gov.uaUkraineEuropean Union

German Agriculture Ministry Submits EUDR Simplification Proposals to European Commission

Germany has submitted formal proposals to the European Commission to simplify EUDR implementation, ahead of a late-April 2026 deadline for administrative relief options. These proposals signal a potential shift toward reduced compliance burdens for downstream operators by concentrating due diligence at the point of first entry into the EU market.

3 Apr 2026, 18:09bmleh.deEuropean UnionGermany

European Parliament Resolution on EUDR Country Risk List Implementing Regulation

The European Parliament has formally challenged the EU Deforestation Regulation country risk list methodology, calling for a repeal based on data flaws and procedural concerns. This political pressure suggests a likely revision of benchmarking criteria that could shift due diligence obligations for operators sourcing from currently low-risk jurisdictions.

2 Apr 2026, 08:50eur-lex.europa.euEuropean Union

Netherlands Answers Senate Questions on EU‑Mercosur Agreement, EUDR Delay and Hazardous Pesticide Imports

The EU is significantly increasing third-country food safety audits and border controls through 2027 while evaluating new restrictions on hazardous pesticide residues in imported goods. Despite the postponement of the EU Deforestation Regulation to late 2026, businesses face intensified supply chain scrutiny and potential market access barriers for products treated with substances banned in the EU.

27 Mar 2026, 07:46open.overheid.nlNetherlandsEuropean Union

UK Cocoa Coalition Calls for Implementation of Forest Risk Commodities Regulation and Alignment With EUDR

The UK Cocoa Coalition is urging the government to activate the Forest Risk Commodities regime and align it with the EU Deforestation Regulation before the 2026 deadline. This signal increases the likelihood of mandatory UK supply chain due diligence for cocoa, requiring businesses to prepare for harmonized traceability standards across UK and EU markets.

27 Mar 2026, 07:02media.business-humanrights.orgUnited KingdomEuropean Union

EU Publishes 3rd Edition of EUDR Supply Chain Infographics

The European Commission has released updated EUDR supply chain guidance reflecting the 2025 simplification amendments and revised implementation timelines. Companies should immediately re-verify their specific due diligence roles and reporting obligations under the streamlined framework to ensure compliance readiness.

26 Mar 2026, 09:41op.europa.euEuropean Union

OECD Publishes 2026 Peer Review of Netherlands National Contact Point for Responsible Business Conduct

The OECD's 2026 peer review of the Dutch National Contact Point reinforces its authority as a central mediator for responsible business conduct and supply chain due diligence. Expect more rigorous case-handling and tighter integration between voluntary OECD Guidelines and mandatory EU frameworks like CSDDD and CSRD.

22 Mar 2026, 10:13oecd.orgNetherlands

Brazilian Senate Approves Mercosur–EU Provisional Trade Agreement

Brazil has ratified the Mercosur–EU Provisional Trade Agreement, initiating a 60-day window for entry into force and substantial tariff eliminations. Companies should anticipate enhanced market access alongside more rigorous environmental compliance standards and new bilateral safeguard triggers for sensitive commodities.

10 Mar 2026, 06:04www12.senado.leg.brBrazilEuropean Union

EU Parliament DEVE Draft Opinion Opposes Termination of EU–Liberia Timber VPA

The European Parliament's DEVE committee has formally opposed the termination of the EU-Liberia timber trade agreement, calling for its retention until a robust successor framework is established. This development highlights ongoing friction in the transition from FLEGT to EUDR, signaling that timber importers must maintain high-level due diligence for Liberian wood products amid shifting bilateral legal structures.

9 Mar 2026, 18:33europarl.europa.euEuropean Union

EU Commission Reviews Indirect Land‑Use Change Criteria Under Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/807

The European Commission is reviewing high indirect land-use change risk criteria for biofuel feedstocks, signaling a potential tightening of sustainability thresholds. Stricter classifications could phase out specific crop-based feedstocks like soy, requiring fuel producers to accelerate the transition toward advanced waste-based or low-risk alternatives.

8 Mar 2026, 13:40ec.europa.euEuropean UnionSpain

European Parliament INTA Draft Recommendation on Termination of EU–Liberia FLEGT Voluntary Partnership Agreement

The European Parliament is moving to terminate the timber trade agreement with Liberia following persistent failures to meet legality and governance commitments. This signals a definitive shift toward the stricter, unilateral enforcement of the EU Deforestation Regulation for all timber supply chains originating from the region.

5 Mar 2026, 10:35europarl.europa.euEuropean Union

EU EESC Opinion on Proposal to Amend Deforestation Regulation (EU) 2023/1115

The European Economic and Social Committee has formally published its opinion on proposed amendments to the EU Deforestation Regulation, supporting the legislative process for timeline adjustments. This advisory milestone reinforces the institutional consensus toward delaying compliance deadlines, providing businesses with greater certainty for aligning supply chain due diligence systems.

4 Mar 2026, 16:37eur-lex.europa.euEuropean Union

Brazil Chamber of Deputies Approves Mercosur–EU Interim Trade Agreement (PDL 41/2026)

Brazil's Chamber of Deputies has approved the Mercosur–EU Interim Trade Agreement, advancing the deal to the Federal Senate for final ratification. The agreement establishes a framework for long-term tariff reductions and structured regulatory cooperation on agro-food standards and environmental protections, signaling closer alignment with EU market expectations.

3 Mar 2026, 19:38camara.leg.brBrazilEuropean Union