Deforestation Law Round-Up: 400+ Lawmakers Endorse EUDR Postponement and Compliance Relief

Gusi Ayu Putri Chandrika Sari
2 days ago
6 min read

Executive Summary:

On 17 December 2025, the European Parliament approved amendments to the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), granting businesses an extra year to comply and simplifying obligations for small and micro operators. Large and medium operators must comply by 30 December 2026, while smaller entities have until 30 June 2027.
Key changes include reduced downstream due diligence, removal of printed products from scope, and a review clause for further simplification by April 2026.
Despite delays, companies should continue implementing traceability systems, geolocation mapping, and compliance processes to avoid disruption. Koltiva supports readiness through KoltiTrace and KoltiSkills, ensuring transparency and sustainability across global supply chains.

The EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), introduced in 2023, aims to combat climate change and biodiversity loss by ensuring that products sold in the EU are not sourced from deforested land. This regulation is transforming global supply chains, imposing strict transparency and traceability standards.

While enforcement has been postponed and requirements eased for smaller operators, the core obligation remains: companies must demonstrate that commodities linked to deforestation are excluded from their supply chains.

At Koltiva, we enable businesses and smallholders to meet these requirements through KoltiTrace and KoltiSkills, offering end-to-end traceability, geolocation mapping, and compliance training. Our solutions ensure that, even amid regulatory uncertainty, your organisation is fully prepared when enforcement begins

What Did the European Parliament Decide Today?

On 17 December 2025, the European Parliament voted in plenary to approve the provisional agreement reached during inter-institutional negotiations. These amendments ease compliance obligations under the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) and postpone its application by one year.

The vote passed with 405 in favour, 242 against, and 8 abstentions, leading to the adoption of the changes. According to the official press release from European Parliament, here are the key updates:

Extended Deadlines: Large and medium operators: 30 December 2026. Small and micro operators: 30 June 2027
Companies now have an additional year to comply with the new EU rules aimed at preventing deforestation. This extension is designed to ensure a smooth transition and allow improvements to the IT system used for electronic due diligence statements.
Simplified Compliance: Downstream obligations reduced: only the first entity placing a commodity on the EU market must submit a due diligence statement. Manufacturers and retailers are exempt from filing but must source from compliant suppliers.
Responsibility for due diligence now rests solely with the first placer of a product on the EU market, reducing administrative burden for downstream actors.
Scope Adjustments: Printed materials (books, newspapers) removed from EUDR coverage.
Review Clause: The European Commission will conduct a simplification review by April 2026, which may introduce further changes before enforcement begins.

A Brief History of EUDR Changes and Developments

The European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) has undergone significant adjustments since its adoption, reflecting the complexity of implementation and the need to balance ambition with practicality. Initially scheduled for enforcement in late 2024, the timeline has shifted to accommodate technical readiness and stakeholder concerns, particularly for smaller operators. Here’s how the timeline evolved:

May 2023: Regulation Adopted.
The EUDR was formally adopted, with enforcement originally set for 30 December 2024.
October 2024: First Delay Announced.
Enforcement was postponed to 30 December 2025, citing Member State readiness issues and delays in deploying the EU’s TRACES information system.
October 2025: Commission Suggests Phased Approach.
The European Commission proposed maintaining the 2025 deadline but introducing a grace period and simplified requirementsfor smallholders and micro-enterprises.
November 2025: Council Endorses Full Delay and Review.
The Council supported a 12-month delay and called for a review of administrative burdens by April 2026.
26 November 2025: Parliament Aligns with Council.
The European Parliament voted to back the delay and simplification review, paving the way for trilogue negotiations.
December 2025: Final Decision Expected.
If trilogue talks conclude successfully, the revised legal text will be published in the EU’s Official Journal before year-end, confirming new enforcement dates and obligations.
April 2026: Administrative Burden Review.
The European Commission will deliver a formal review, which may lead to further legislative proposals.

Koltiva’s Perspective: Building Readiness Beyond Compliance

At Koltiva, we see the EUDR not as a regulatory challenge, but as a catalyst for building stronger, more transparent supply chains. Our experience across more than 94 countries demonstrates that technology and trust must work hand-in-hand to make sustainability real at the ground level.

A Call for Data-Driven Supply Chains

The latest EU update signals that data accuracy, interoperability, and traceability are non-negotiable. Koltiva’s integrated ecosystem, from KoltiTrace for digital traceability to KoltiSkills for smallholders capacity building and KoltiPay for financial inclusion, provides end-to-end solutions for EUDR compliance.

Empowering Smallholders

Relief measures for small enterprises are a reminder that inclusivity matters. Koltiva helps companies integrate smallholder producers into digital systems through simple mobile tools, field mapping, and digital coaching. By capturing accurate geolocation data, companies can prove deforestation-free sourcing and empower producers with visibility in the global market.

Real-World Solutions for Global Enterprises

We are empowering global leaders in cocoa, palm oil, and rubber to demonstrate that early investments in traceability platforms yield tangible benefits—ranging from reduced audit costs and faster verification processes to stronger supplier engagement. As enforcement of the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) approaches, these digital infrastructures are no longer optional, they are becoming essential assets for business resilience and compliance.

Beyond Compliance

Sustainability is not just about meeting EU requirements. It’s about creating resilient, ethical, and transparent systems that respect both people and the planet. We help clients turn compliance into a long-term competitive advantage.

What Should Importers and Operators Do Now?

Despite the political delay, businesses cannot afford to pause. Core compliance activities should continue to avoid last-minute disruptions. Here are five immediate actions businesses can take:

Continue Mapping and Verification.
Ensure all sourcing plots are georeferenced and verified as deforestation-free. Use digital tools to collect and store this data securely.

Clarify Due-Diligence Roles.
Identify who will file declarations in the EUDR Information System — importer, trader, or brand owner, and formalize these roles contractually.

Digitize Documentation.
Move away from spreadsheets and paper forms. Use integrated platforms like KoltiTrace to automate documentation, evidence tracking, and reporting.

Engage Suppliers and Smallholders.
Support smallholders with training and tools to understand EUDR requirements. KoltiSkills provides customized capacity-building programs to close knowledge gaps.

Stay Informed.
Being proactive now ensures smoother compliance later, even if enforcement flexibility materializes. Participate in European Commission webinars and follow Koltiva’s social media and newsletter to stay informed about implementation timelines and best practices.

What to Expect Next

Before these changes take effect, the text must be formally endorsed by the Council and published in the EU’s Official Journal by the end of 2025. Once published, the amending regulation will enter into force on the third day after publication.

Additionally, the European Commission is required to conduct a “simplification review” of the EUDR and submit a report to co-legislators by 30 April 2026. This review may include a legislative proposal to further streamline certain aspects of the regulation

Partner with Koltiva to Accelerate Your EUDR Compliance Journey

Koltiva stands ready to guide companies through every step of this journey, from digital farm mapping and due-diligence verification to farmer empowerment and reporting automation. As the EU refines the technical details of implementation, the real opportunity lies in transforming compliance into long-term sustainability leadership.

Build transparent, resilient, and deforestation-free supply chains with integrated technology, trusted data, and inclusive collaboration. Learn more about Koltiva’s EUDR Solutions. For more insights on EUDR and sustainable sourcing, follow Koltiva's blog and stay updated on our latest innovations and field stories.

Author: Gusi Ayu Putri Chandrika Sari, Social Media Specialist

Subject Expert Matters: Felipe Usuga, Senior Agronomy Officer for Latin America at Koltiva

Gusi Ayu Putri Chandrika Sari combines her expertise in digital marketing and social media with a deep commitment to sustainability, supported by over eight years of experience in communications. Her work focuses on crafting impactful narratives that connect technology, agriculture, and environmental responsibility. She is driven by a passion for promoting sustainable practices through compelling, audience-focused content across a variety of digital platforms.

Resource:

European Parliament. (2025, December 11). Deforestation law: Parliament adopts changes to postpone and simplify measures. European Parliament News. https://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/press-room/20251211IPR32168/deforestation-law-parliament-adopts-changes-to-postpone-and-simplify-measures