EU eases sustain­ability reporting rules

The European Commission is taking a major step in reducing the administrative burden on businesses. A new package of proposals will simplify regulations on sustainability reporting and international trade. This could lead to significant cost savings for the Dutch food industry.

Less reporting pressure for businesses

The CSRD (Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive) is being revised. As a result, around 80% of companies currently subject to this directive will no longer be required to comply. The focus will shift to the largest corporations with the greatest environmental and social impact. Additionally, the introduction of reporting obligations for some companies will be postponed until 2028. This means less paperwork and lower costs for many businesses in the food sector.

SMEs can breathe again

Large companies must meet sustainability requirements, but the pressure on smaller suppliers will be reduced. The obligation to collect and pass on information in the supply chain will be scaled back, giving SMEs more time to focus on their core business rather than compliance paperwork. This prevents an overload of regulations that can be difficult for smaller businesses to handle.

Exemptions for small importers

Changes to the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) mean that small importers will largely be exempt from CO₂ charges on products from outside the EU. This could be especially relevant for companies importing ingredients or raw materials from third countries.

New investment opportunities

An expansion of InvestEU will make an additional €50 billion available for public and private investments. These funds can be used to support innovations in sustainability and the circular economy, creating opportunities for food sector companies looking to invest in greener operations.

Ec.europa.eu