The European Commission has adopted new implementation measures for the EU Deforestation Regulation Update, introducing revised product rules and simplified compliance procedures ahead of the regulation’s full application in December 2026.
The new measures are designed to provide greater legal certainty for businesses and European Union member states. Officials said the changes will help companies prepare for the regulation while making its implementation more practical and consistent across the EU.
The updated package includes amendments agreed in December last year, along with revised guidance documents and frequently asked questions. Together, these changes aim to improve clarity for companies that import, produce or sell products covered by the regulation.
The EU Deforestation Regulation requires that key commodities placed on the EU market or exported from the bloc must not come from land that has been deforested or degraded after 31 December 2020. The rules apply to seven major commodity groups: cattle, cocoa, coffee, palm oil, rubber, soy and wood.
As part of the latest update, the European Commission has revised the list of products covered by the regulation following consultations with industry stakeholders and other interested groups.
Several products have been removed from the regulation’s scope. These include cattle hides, skins, leather, re-treaded tyres, soybeans intended for sowing, articles made from vulcanised rubber, conveyor and transmission belts, as well as aircraft and motor vehicle seats.
At the same time, the Commission has added several new products to the regulation. Soluble coffee, selected palm oil derivatives and frozen cattle tongues will now fall under the updated rules.
To give businesses enough time to prepare, the newly added products will not become subject to the regulation until 30 December 2027. Officials said the extra transition period will allow companies to adjust supply chains and compliance systems before the new requirements take effect.
The delegated act containing the product changes will now be submitted to the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union for review before it enters into force.
Alongside the product updates, the Commission has also adopted an implementing act that improves the regulation’s Information System. The digital platform has been updated to reflect the revised legal framework and make it easier for companies to meet reporting requirements.
The upgraded system includes several operational improvements. These include simplified declaration procedures for micro and small primary operators, as well as updated technical standards for automated application programming interfaces that support digital reporting.
The Commission confirmed that the Information System has been available again since June 2026. Businesses can already begin using the platform, become familiar with its new functions and submit relevant information before the regulation officially applies.
Additional digital features are expected to be introduced later this summer. The Commission said it will continue working closely with businesses while improving the system based on practical experience and user feedback.
The EU Deforestation Regulation Update represents another step in the European Union’s efforts to strengthen sustainable supply chains while making compliance more practical for businesses. Officials said the latest changes balance environmental goals with clearer rules and improved digital tools to support companies before the regulation takes effect at the end of 2026.
