CAOBISCO Statement on the Postponement of the EUDR date of application

October 23, 2024Statement

CAOBISCO acknowledges the European Commission's recent proposal for a one-year postponement of the date of application of the European Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) and welcomes the Council's agreement on the Commission's proposal without amendments. Following today's Plenary approval of the urgency procedure, we strongly urge the European Parliament to approve the regulation as swiftly as possible to end the current legal uncertainty.

While the proposed delay aims to provide additional time for companies, producing countries, and national authorities to prepare for implementation, it must not lead to any attempts to reopen or alter the substance of the law. Such actions would only jeopardize the significant investments made by our members in anticipation of compliance with the EUDR.

We welcome the publication of the guidance document and last iteration of the FAQs on 2 October. We will study them closely, and look forward to further clarifications as soon as possible. We call upon the European Commission and all relevant stakeholders to utilize this additional year wisely, focusing on providing the necessary clarity and tools that will facilitate effective and smooth implementation of the EUDR. This includes the timely deployment of a fully operational Information System, the completion of the benchmarking process, and the provision of all essential clarifications.

CAOBISCO and its members remain fully committed to no deforestation and continued preparation to ensure compliance with the EUDR's requirements