26.06.2026
On June 23, 2026, the British government published its guidance document on future regulations regarding deforestation. While the United Kingdom will not adopt the European Union’s Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) verbatim, it confirms its commitment to developing a framework that is largely compatible with that of the European Union. ATIBT welcomes this development, while remaining attentive to the practical implementation of these future regulations.
The United Kingdom is taking a new step forward in its policy to combat imported deforestation. In a document published on June 23, the government outlined the future framework to be implemented in Great Britain to decouple British consumption from global deforestation.
This future regulation is expected to draw on the powers provided by the Environment Act 2021 and complement the existing UK framework, notably the UK Timber Regulation (UKTR). The specific details of the framework—including the businesses affected, the raw materials and derived products covered, and the concrete obligations regarding information collection, traceability, and reporting—will be subject to a public consultation prior to the regulation’s adoption. The UK government has, however, indicated its intention to develop a framework that is broadly compatible with the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). At this stage, it plans, in particular, to cover the same major raw materials as the EU regulation, including timber, cocoa, coffee, rubber, soy, palm oil, and cattle, as well as certain derived products. It has indicated its intention to establish a reasonable due diligence requirement based on the collection of information on the origin of products and on traceability requirements similar to those under the EUDR. The specific details, particularly the information that will need to be collected (including any geolocation data), will be defined following the consultation. Implementation of the system is planned to begin in 2027.
At this stage, the future UK system remains based on the provisions of the Environment Act 2021, which are primarily aimed at combating illegal deforestation. It therefore differs from the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), which prohibits the placing on the market of products derived from land deforested after December 31, 2020, even when such deforestation complies with the legislation of the producing country. The UK government, however, has stated its ambition to gradually align its system with European standards.
A clear commitment to ensuring compatibility with the EU deforestation regulation
One of the most important messages of this announcement is the UK government’s clearly stated commitment to ensuring strong consistency with the EU Deforestation Regulation. The document indicates that the information to be collected by UK companies will be largely identical to that required under the EU Deforestation Regulation’s due diligence statements. This alignment aims to limit regulatory differences between Great Britain, Northern Ireland, and the European market, while reducing the administrative burden on companies operating in multiple markets.
In Northern Ireland, the EUDR will continue to apply directly in accordance with existing agreements with the European Union. British companies exporting to the European Union or placing products on the Northern Irish market will therefore need to continue to fully comply with the requirements of the EU Deforestation Regulation.
A Positive Development for Responsible Tropical Timber Sectors
For ATIBT, this announcement is an encouraging sign. The association welcomes the United Kingdom’s move toward a regulatory framework that is largely consistent with that of the European Union. Such convergence should limit the proliferation of different compliance systems, reduce administrative costs for operators, and promote the smooth flow of international trade.
ATIBT also notes with satisfaction that the British government recognizes the importance of working in consultation with businesses and international partners to develop a pragmatic and workable framework.
As it has always maintained, however, ATIBT reiterates that the success of these regulations will depend on their ability to recognize the efforts already undertaken by producing countries and responsible companies. Sustainable forest management systems, independent forest certification, verified legality, and national forest governance frameworks are essential tools for achieving the goals of combating deforestation while maintaining a sustainable forest economy that benefits producing countries and local communities.
ATIBT will closely monitor the consultation launched by the British government. The regulations expected in 2027 will make it possible to assess the actual level of alignment with the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) as well as the practical implications for operators in the tropical timber sector.
