European Commission Proposes Delaying EUDR Implementation by Another Year

For the second time, the European Commission (EC) has proposed delaying the implementation of the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR).  The EU environment commissioner Jessika Roswall said the postponement was necessary to address concerns about the readiness of the IT system supporting the law. 
Due to take effect on December 30, the EUDR would have required operators selling seven commodities namely cattle, cocoa, coffee, palm oil, soyabean, rubber and wood and their goods into EU markets to provide proof their products do not cause deforestation. On the other hand, environmental campaigners have sharply criticized the delay.
Meanwhile, Malaysia’s state palm oil agency said on Thursday that it welcomed the European Union’s proposal to delay the launch of EUDR for a second time.  The decision will allow time for the EU to address concerns about the implementation of the regulation, as well as its significant operational and structural flaws, the Malaysian Palm Oil Council said in a statement.