Food giants oppose delay of EU deforestation law

A group of international food companies and organisations, including Nestlé, Mars Wrigley, Ferrero, Tony’s Chocolonely and Rainforest Alliance, is urging the European Commission not to postpone the introduction of the European Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). In a letter to Commissioner Jessika Roswall and the European Parliament, they warn that a delay “puts at risk the preservation of forests worldwide” and “undermines trust in Europe’s regulatory commitments.”

Companies have already invested

The signatories write that they, together with their supply chain partners, have been working for months to comply with the EUDR. According to them, preparations are well underway and they are on track to fully meet the regulation’s obligations by 31 December 2025. The law aims to ensure that products such as cocoa, soy, timber, rubber and palm oil do not contribute to deforestation.

What particularly frustrates the group is that a “technical IT issue” now seems to have become a reason for postponement. They argue this would create uncertainty, raise costs and erode trust. Companies have already invested in new systems precisely to be ready for the law’s introduction.

Call for a practical approach

Rather than turning back the clock, the signatories are calling for a pragmatic solution. They want technical problems to be recognised as force majeure so that companies are not unfairly penalised. They also propose a temporary period of up to six months during which inspections are reviewed and fines suspended. In addition, they urge the European Commission to set up a technical committee to oversee implementation and address practical challenges.

Broad support

The letter is signed by companies and organisations from the cocoa, dairy, rubber, timber and agri-food sectors. They ask the Commission to provide clarity soon on the next steps. “Companies need to know what to prepare for, and by when,” the signatories write.

Euractiv.com