In a press release published on April 14, 2025, the European Commission announced its actions to simplify the implementation of the European Union (EU) Deforestation Regulation, which aims to reduce the impact of deforestation and forest degradation.

A Delegated Act is set to enact the following simplifications:

• Large companies can reuse existing due diligence statements when goods that were previously imported into the EU market are re-imported.
• An authorized representative can submit a due diligence statement on behalf of members of company groups.
• Companies will be allowed to submit due diligence statements annually instead of for every shipment or batch placed on the EU market.

The European Commission also published updated guidance and a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document that provide “clarifications on how to demonstrate that their products are deforestation-free.”

The EU Deforestation Regulation will be applicable for large and medium companies on December 30, 2025, and for small and micro companies on June 30, 2026.

The European Commission’s press release can be read here:
https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_25_1063

The “Updated Guidance Document for Regulation on Deforestation-Free Products” can be found here:
https://environment.ec.europa.eu/document/5dc7aa19-e58f-42a3-bbbe-f0eb2e5a1d3a_en

The FAQ document can be found here:
https://circabc.europa.eu/ui/group/34861680-e799-4d7c-bbad-da83c45da458/library/e126f816-844b-41a9-89ef-cb2a33b6aa56/details

The draft Delegated Regulation amending Anex I of Regulation (EU) 2023/1115 can be found here:
https://ec.europa.eu/info/law/better-regulation/have-your-say/initiatives/14655-Delegated-Regulation-amending-Annex-I-of-Regulation-EU-2023-1115-EU-Deforestation-Regulation-_en