The European Union Council has recently announced a 12-month extension for the implementation of the EU Regulation on Deforestation-free Products (EUDR), originally set to enforce stricter import requirements for commodities linked to deforestation, such as soy, coffee, cocoa, palm oil, cattle/beef and timber. The new timeline provides companies additional time to implement compliance measures, yet the urgency for responsible sourcing remains a critical focus.
The original application date was December 30, 2024, but the European Commission proposed a 12-month delay to give companies more time to prepare. The new regulation dates are:
Large companies: December 30, 2025
Micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs): June 30, 2024
Fera offer testing services to verify the geographical origin of your products.
At Fera, we view this extension as a crucial window for businesses to enhance their compliance strategies and build stronger, deforestation-free supply chains. While the delay offers temporary relief, it is vital for companies to take proactive steps, not only to meet EUDR standards when they take effect but also to demonstrate a commitment to sustainability and environmental protection in line with global expectations.
Beyond compliance, aligning with the EUDR is an opportunity for businesses to reinforce their own Sustainability Disclosure Requirements (SDR) and broader environmental, social, and governance (ESG) goals. Taking these steps signals a company’s dedication to responsible sourcing and a deforestation-free future, which resonates strongly with stakeholders, investors, and consumers alike. As customers increasingly prioritise sustainability in their purchasing decisions, businesses that lead in compliance and sustainable practices stand to protect and enhance their brand reputation, ensuring long-term trust and loyalty in competitive markets.
The regulation’s requirements are complex, demanding detailed due diligence, origin verification, and transparent data practices across supply chains. Fera is dedicated to supporting businesses in meeting these stringent requirements through our comprehensive testing, data management, and traceability solutions to interrogate the accuracy of the paper trail of product certificates regarding geographical origin to protect supplier reputation. Our testing and colsultancy services are designed to streamline EUDR compliance, from verifying commodity geographical origins to creating robust data sets that ensure full traceability.
"The extended timeline is a valuable opportunity." said Helen Grundy, Science Lead in Food Authenticity at Fera. "This is a moment for companies to strengthen their commitment to sustainable sourcing and prepare fully for EUDR. As an organisation, we are here to help businesses navigate the complexities of this regulation, providing the expertise, testing and tools needed to achieve compliance with confidence, to protect supplier’s reputations."
The 12-month extension should not be seen as a reason to delay preparations, but rather as an essential timeframe to lay a strong foundation for compliance. As global concerns around deforestation and environmental impact continue to grow, Fera encourages all businesses affected by EUDR to use this period to invest in responsible, verified sourcing practices that align with their long-term sustainability goals.
To learn more about how Fera can assist your organisation in meeting EUDR requirements, click here.
