The European Commission on Tuesday proposed softening an EU anti-deforestation law.

The landmark law, known as the EUDR and adopted in 2023, had banned imports of products driving deforestation and was hailed by environmentalists.

The law has faced opposition from major trading partners such as Brazil and the United States, who argue that businesses will suffer due to increased paperwork and higher costs.

The proposed changes to the law still require the approval of member states and the European Parliament.

EU sets shifting deadlines for deforestation law

It was due to come into effect at the end of 2024, but was then postponed twice, with the current deadline set at late 2026.

On Tuesday, the EU Commission proposed undoing the second postponement, moving the deadline back to the end of 2025, while smaller firms would still have by the end of 2026 to comply.

The changes give a six-month grace period to larger companies.

What kind of deforestation-linked goods are affected by the EUDR?

Among the goods that could be impacted by the measure are coffee, cocoa, soy, timber, palm oil, cattle, printing paper and rubber.

Under the law, companies importing goods to the EU would need to provide a statement that shows that they do not come from areas hit by deforestation. This would also require firms to provide geolocation and satellite data.

In its Tuesday recommendation, the Commission removed a requirement that would have had companies who purchase, process and sell such items to also submit a deforestation statement.

Now, the measure would be limited to the importers themselves. Small-hold producers would also only need to provide a one-off declaration.

Edited by: Jenipher Camino Gonzalez