A coalition of European organisations representing agriculture, forestry, livestock, feed, wood processing and vegetable oil sectors has urged EU institutions to simplify the implementation of the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), warning that unresolved issues risk harming competitiveness, supply chains and industrial resilience.
© CEIS Bois
In a joint statement dated 27 April 2026, the signatories said the regulation, while well-intentioned, could undermine key European industries if its rollout is not carefully reviewed and simplified.
The groups said stakeholders have raised concerns since January 2026 over what they describe as fundamental flaws in the regulation's design and implementation. These include a lack of legal certainty, unrealistic compliance requirements and heavy administrative burdens, particularly linked to filing information in the central data repository.
According to the statement, these shortcomings risk triggering market disruption, including supply shortages, higher costs and reduced competitiveness for EU sectors, while failing to effectively tackle the root causes of deforestation.
The organisations acknowledged that targeted simplifications adopted in December 2025, together with a one-year postponement of implementation, had provided some relief. However, they said many practical issues remain unresolved.
Attention is now focused on a further simplification review expected by 30 April 2026. The coalition described this as a crucial opportunity to introduce legislative adjustments that better align the regulation with its environmental objectives while ensuring it is practical, proportionate and harmonised across member states.
The signatories called on the European Commission, European Parliament and the Council of the European Union to prioritise simplification, avoid duplication, facilitate compliance and clarify key requirements.
They also stressed the need for a realistic implementation timeline, allowing operators to adapt without disrupting supply chains, alongside continued dialogue with stakeholders to develop workable solutions that balance environmental goals with economic realities.
"The credibility of the EUDR implementation depends on its ability to prevent products associated with deforestation to enter our supply chains while safeguarding the viability of European primary producers and industries," the statement said.
Among the organisations backing the appeal are Copa-Cogeca, CEI-Bois, EOS, FEDIOL, FEFAC and UECBV.
The statement highlights growing pressure from European supply chain sectors seeking clearer, more workable sustainability regulation ahead of implementation.
More information:
CEI-Bois
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www.cei-bois.org
