The German furniture industry has welcomed the European Parliament's decision to delay and simplify the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), describing the move as an important step towards greater practicality and planning certainty for businesses across the sector. Following successful trilogue negotiations, the revised regulation was formally approved, easing concerns throughout the wood and furniture value chain.
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"Our companies are gaining valuable time and are being relieved of unnecessary bureaucracy," said Jan Kurth, Managing Director of the Associations of the German Furniture Industry. He noted that the decision reflects the demands of the entire wood and furniture value chain and represents a rare example of meaningful regulatory simplification being put into practice. In an industry characterised by complex international supply chains, the changes are seen as both timely and necessary.
Under the revised timeline, companies will be granted an additional year to comply with the new EU requirements aimed at preventing deforestation. Large market participants and retailers will now be required to meet the regulation's obligations from 30 December 2026. Micro and small enterprises based in low-risk countries, whose products were previously not subject to the EU Timber Regulation, will benefit from an extended deadline until 30 June 2027. According to Kurth, this extension provides all stakeholders with the necessary time to adapt internal processes, documentation and supply chain management systems.
The industry has also responded positively to the simplification of the regulation's due diligence requirements. In future, the obligation to submit a due diligence statement will rest solely with companies that first place relevant raw materials or products on the EU market. The requirement to pass reference numbers on to downstream economic operators will no longer apply beyond the second market participant, significantly reducing the administrative burden for retailers and downstream businesses.
"The decision taken today represents a tangible simplification and a major relief for the furniture industry," Kurth concluded. Overall, the revised approach is viewed as an important step towards balancing environmental objectives with economic feasibility, supporting sustainable timber use while avoiding disproportionate administrative demands on the sector.
More information:
die möbelindustrie - Verbände der deutschen Möbelindustrie
www.moebelindustrie.de
