European Commission further simplifies EUDR rules for agricultural imports

The European Commission has published a new package of simplifications to the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), which is set to take effect on December 30, 2026. The regulation will ban the sale in the EU of products linked to deforestation, including palm oil, soybeans, timber, cocoa, coffee, rubber, and cattle products. According to the Commission, the latest changes could reduce compliance costs for companies by around 75% compared to the original version of the regulation.

The biggest simplifications will apply to operators sourcing products from low-risk countries, as well as micro and small businesses. These companies will benefit from simplified declarations, fewer verification procedures, and reduced risk assessment requirements. However, even suppliers from “low-risk” countries will still need to provide information on product origin and geolocation data for the land where commodities were produced.

The updated package also provides clearer guidance on the obligations of different categories of companies, including upstream operators, small businesses, and traders. Large importers will still be required to conduct due diligence, assess supply chain risks, and submit due diligence statements before placing products on the EU market or exporting them.

For micro and small primary operators, the rules will become significantly easier. They will be allowed to submit one-time simplified declarations instead of full reports, use postal addresses instead of exact coordinates, and avoid separate risk assessments unless there are indications of non-compliance.

Despite the simplifications, the US remains dissatisfied with several aspects of the EUDR. Washington had requested that producers from negligible-risk countries be exempt from submitting due diligence statements and geolocation data, but the European Commission did not adopt these proposals. According to the USDA, the regulation could affect about $9 bln worth of US agricultural exports.

The draft amendments to the EUDR are open for public feedback until June 1, 2026. The European Commission also plans to update the regulation’s information system and guidance materials to make compliance procedures clearer and easier for businesses.

Tags: EU, EUDR