EU Deforestation Regulation: European Commission Proposes 12-Month Transitional Extension to Support Global Implementation
The EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), which comes into force in 2023, aims to stop deforestation-related products from entering the EU market. The European Commission has proposed an extra 12-month phase-in period for companies and countries to comply with the strict requirements of the regulation. This is to allow countries to implement the necessary measures to prove that products entering the EU do not pose a deforestation risk.
Deforestation is one of the main drivers of two major environmental problems: climate change and biodiversity loss. According to FAO estimates, 420 million hectares of forest were lost between 1990 and 2020. This area is larger than the area of the European Union.
According to published data, based on 2015-2020 deforestation rates, the world is losing more than nine times the forest surface of the Bois de la Cambre in Brussels every hour, or three times the surface of Parc Léopold on the border of the European Parliament in Brussels every minute.
In order to limit imports of products linked to deforestation, the regulation requires companies wishing to participate in the EU market to take compulsory care against the risk of deforestation. The public consultation was well received and around 1.2 million people contributed to the process, supporting the regulation's ambitious approach to mandatory due diligence.
Background to the Regulation
The EU Deforestation Regulation is a regulation that aims to prevent products linked to deforestation and forest degradation from entering the EU market. It requires certain products, notably palm oil, soy, coffee, cocoa, timber and meat, to prove that their supply chains do not contribute to deforestation. The aim is to ensure that the products the EU supplies come from sustainable sources and to combat global deforestation.
The first principle is that only products not affected by deforestation can enter the EU market. Under the Regulation, companies must monitor their supply chains and prove that products come from areas that have not been deforested after 31 December 2020.
12 Month Extension and Role
The proposed 12-month extension under the newly published regulation recognizes the complexity of global supply chains, particularly for developing countries and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). This additional time will allow businesses to improve their liability processes, collect data and minimize risks. The extension also encourages international cooperation, allowing countries to adapt their regulations to align with the EU.
Impact on Global Supply Chains
This gradual transition extension is particularly critical for Latin American, African and Asian countries that export to the EU. These countries may face difficulties in adapting due to disorganized supply chains or inadequate governance structures. By allowing more time, the EU aims to mitigate potential trade disruptions while remaining true to its commitment to environmental sustainability.
Challenges That May be Encountered
Although the extension provides relief, companies will still have to make significant efforts. Compliance will require significant processes such as risk assessments, documentation and continuous monitoring of supply chains. SMEs in particular may struggle with the costs of these processes, but the EU is providing technical and financial support to ease the transition.
Sustainability and Future Perspective
The EUDR aims to protect biodiversity and reduce the EU's ecological footprint as part of the wider Green Deal agenda. The added transition period will help balance economic and environmental concerns, giving the EU and its trading partners the chance to tackle global deforestation in an effective and fair way.
Completion of Special IT System
The Information System for businesses to register their due diligence statements is reported by the Commission to be ready to accept registrations in early November and to be fully operational in December. Operators and traders will be able to register and submit due diligence declarations even before the law comes into force.
Current Activities in Combating Deforestation in Turkey
In parallel with global environmental policies, Turkey is taking important steps to combat deforestation and forest degradation. The General Directorate of Forestry (GDoF) carries out afforestation efforts across the country and takes measures to protect against forest fires. The Paris Climate Agreement and the Glasgow Leaders' Declaration on Forests and Land Use have strengthened international cooperation against deforestation.
Turkey has also become a party to the Paris Climate Agreement and is developing strategies to protect forests under the Green Deal Action Plan.
In addition, Turkey's regulations on deforestation are being harmonized with the EU. While developing sustainable agricultural policies, the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry contributes to biodiversity conservation efforts in cooperation with international organizations such as UNESCO.
These activities aim to promote sustainable agriculture and production practices against deforestation both in the domestic market and in the global market.
The content of the newsletter has been prepared for general information purposes. If you want to learn more about compliance and legal advice, or if you want to be involved in compliance processes, consult your lawyer.
EU Deforestation Regulation: European Commission Proposes 12-Month Transitional Extension to Support Global Implementation
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