In September 2025 two MEPs proposed further one-year delay to the EUDR. The landmark legislation, which aims to tackle global deforestation and degradation, has already been postponed for one year from 1 January 2025. More recently on the 7 October a further 8 MEPs called for no delay for fear it would undermine the regulation. In a compromise, a further proposal has been put forward to continue with the implementation date of 1 January 2026 with some simplification to allow for smooth running of the IT system EU Traces which it is claimed is not ready to receive the sheer volume of due diligence statements to the platform that is likely to happen as the EUDR goes in to implementation.
What does EUDR mean for UK Businesses?
While the EUDR is a European legislation, its implications are global. In the UK, companies with EU operations will have obligations as operators and/or traders and companies with customers in the EU will need to supply data to help them comply with the EUDR. See our EUDR FAQs for more information.
What are the latest EUDR proposals?
- No delay to EUDR for Large businesses.
- A Phased in period of six months with no penalties or sanctions in first six months to allow companies to adjust.
- Small and Medium Enterprises (SME's) out of scope for Due Diligence, they need only have a declaration
- Downstream operators who are first to place the commodity/product to the market will complete a due diligence Statement and then others in the value chain will only be obliged to keep and pass on the reference number.
- SMEs are not required to adopt the regulation until 1 January 2026
Possible outcomes for the EUDR:
An agreement on EUDR needs to be reached by the 15 December 2025 on any changes or a postponement. Recently, members of the environment committee (ENVI) voted on Tuesday 4 November to implement the urgency procedure to fast-track the proposed amendments.
Possible eventualities include the potential for gridlock and no agreement reached in time and EUDR comes in to force as per 30 December 2025 in its current form. The regulation could be delayed for a further year which is now receiving pressure from numerous member states as the way forward, or the regulation goes through but with some or all of amendments that have been proposed.
How has FSC responded to the proposals?
FSC welcomes the European Commission’s proposal for a six-month grace period and exemptions for SMEs, smallholders and foresters under the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). These adjustments reflect a pragmatic, delivery-focused approach that can make the Regulation effective in practice without weakening its ambition. Read the full response from FSC International.
How is FSC supporting certificate holders?
FSC is implementing systemic changes and developing improved technologies to help organisations meet the requirements of the EUDR. FSC Aligned Certification for EUDR is a complementary, voluntary add-on module that builds on FSC’s certification for rigorous responsible forestry practices. Find out more information on the EUDR, the FSC Regulatory Module, FSC Trace platform and Risk Assessment Framework.
A Reminder of why we need to legislate
Deforestation and forest degradation are some of the biggest threats facing forests worldwide. One of the drivers of deforestation and degradation is the ever-increasing pressure to produce more timber and other forest-based products. Other drivers include conversion of forests for agriculture, infrastructure expansion and mining.
But it is not just the world’s forests that are in jeopardy. Deforestation affects us all globally. The world’s largest forest biomes such as the Amazon rainforests support our global temperatures by sequestering carbon dioxide from our atmosphere and keeping global temperatures ambient for us to live comfortably. The United Nations Climate Action report figures tell us that “Under current policies, the world is on track for a global average temperature rise of 3.1°C above pre-industrial levels over the course of the century (United Nations, 2025).” And with a rise of 1.5°C already reached this year, we are likely to witness more extremes in weather such as drought and storms with the potential to cause damage and loss of life (United Nations, 2025).
As of now leaders are meeting in Brazil for COP 30 to discuss measures which will hopefully turn into action to tackle climate change.
FSC’s mission is to promote environmentally appropriate, socially beneficial, and economically viable management of the world's forests. The private sector plays a crucial role in advancing sustainability, not only within their own operations but also through support for responsible forestry initiatives.