EUDR: The Commission Proposes to Maintain the Timeline and Simplify the Framework

22.10.2025

European Commissioner for Environment Jessika Roswall has presented a Commission proposal aimed at ensuring the effective implementation of the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). The proposal confirms that the Regulation will enter into force at the end of 2025, while introducing targeted simplifications to support small operators and downstream actors, ensuring the EU’s IT system (TRACES) can operate efficiently.

On 21 October 2025, the European Commission unveiled a proposal of targeted measures to facilitate the implementation of the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR).
The objective is to maintain the implementation timeline while addressing the technical challenges encountered by companies and authorities in deploying the TRACES IT system.

No delay, but a phased implementation

The EUDR will enter into application on 30 December 2025 for large and medium-sized companies, with a six-month grace period for checks and enforcement.
Micro and small enterprises will be covered from 30 December 2026, allowing additional time to adapt to the new requirements.

Two targeted simplifications

Downstream operators: companies operating in the downstream part of the value chain (such as retailers or large EU manufacturers) will no longer be required to submit due diligence statements. A single statement submitted by the operator placing the product on the market for the first time will suffice for the entire supply chain.
Micro and small primary operators from low-risk countries (including outside the EU) will no longer need to submit multiple due diligence statements. They will instead provide a simple one-off declaration, and when the relevant data already exist in a national database, no further action will be required in the EU IT system.

These adjustments are designed to reduce administrative burdens—by up to 30%, according to Commission estimates—while maintaining a robust traceability framework and the environmental integrity of the Regulation.

A pragmatic approach without lowering ambition

Commissioner Jessika Roswall described the proposal as a package that “responds to real implementation challenges” and “simplifies the rules, notably for small farmers and operators, while maintaining Europe’s global leadership in the fight against deforestation.”
Executive Vice-President Teresa Ribera emphasized that this approach provides “clarity and stability,” allowing the Regulation to take effect at the end of this year while giving micro and small producers more time to adjust.

ATIBT welcomes the confirmation of the original timeline and the Commission’s choice to pursue a pragmatic approach rather than a full postponement. We will now closely examine the concrete impacts of these simplifications, with particular attention to potential market distortions—not only in comparison with EU producers, but also regarding their possible effects on competitive dynamics and illegal operators that could undermine responsible market actors.

Next steps

The proposal will now be reviewed by the European Parliament and the Council, which must adopt it before the end of 2025.
ATIBT will continue to monitor and analyse developments to help ensure that implementation preserves both environmental ambition and fair competition for the tropical timber sector.

We invite members to share their first reactions, key concerns, and expectations to inform our collective analysis and help prepare a coordinated contribution in the coming weeks.