As the deadline for implementation of the European Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) approaches, suppliers and manufacturers of the seven affected commodities are rushing to prepare.
From deadline day onwards, all beef, soy, cocoa, coffee, rubber, palm oil and wood products, imported into the European Union (EU), must be sourced from sustainable sources. Furthermore, suppliers and manufacturers must obtain certification to ensure the origin of the commodity and prove compliance.
However, while many support the new law and its aim to cut deforestation, the EU has also seen huge opposition from suppliers, manufacturers and even governments. Why? The scale of the task and lack of support.
We look at all the ways EUDR is impacting the food and beverage industry as the deadline approaches.
Here’s the latest…
Is industry finally ready for EUDR?
EUDR has been fraught with challenges, opposition and delays. But as the clock ticks down to deadline day, one big question remains, will industry be ready?
EUDR ‘simplified’ and costs cut by 30%
The measures aim to reduce regulatory burdens for companies
3 March 2025: How much EUDR compliance will cost businesses – and consumers
A new report outlines the ways EUDR compliance will impact costs at company level and prices in store
4 February 2025: Fight on to ensure EUDR benchmarking goals remain undiluted
A joint letter to the EU Commission points out several areas where risk levels could be, according to the letter unjustifiably, downgraded
29 January 2025: The impact of the EUDR on paper packaging
Paper packaging is growing in popularity. Could the EU’s deforestation regulation make its use more challenging for manufacturers?
3 December 2024: EUDR ‘no risk’ status cancelled and 12 month delay reconfirmed
The controversial EUDR no risk status has been provisionally binned in a ‘trilogue’ between the European Council, Commission and Parliament.
11 December 2024: EUDR delay a blessing as more companies than believed ‘not ready’
A 12-month delay to EUDR came at the right time as many companies, despite being convinced they were ready, hadn’t correctly prepared.
12 December 2024: Unilever, Nestlé, EUDR, UPF and commodity hikes. FoodNavigator reviews 2024
Food and beverage was not short of drama or two in 2024, with some of the biggest stories gripping the sector almost from day one.
25 November 2024: EUDR compliance a challenge for Thai palm oil
In Thailand, an unconventional palm oil supply chain makes traceability, and therefore EUDR certification, much more difficult.
20 November 2024: EUDR ‘no risk’ status at risk as member states object
The European Council has raised a serious grievance about the no risk amendment to the EUDR, passed by the European Parliament, in last week’s vote to delay the regulation by a year.
15 November 2024: EUDR delay venom and outrage: the aftermath of the vote
EUDR’s 12-month delay has been met with condemnation from organisations across the world following yesterday’s controversial vote.
14 November 2024: EUDR delay confirmed after European Parliament vote
EUDR implementation will be delayed a year, the European Parliament has confirmed following a vote overcoming the last barrier to the delay’s approval.
12 November 2024: Inside the EUDR country benchmarking
Country benchmarking could affect due diligence requirements, and therefore the complexity of EUDR compliance. How do these risk classifications work?
24 October 2024: EUDR delay: The winners and losers
The proposed EUDR delay could be a relief for many if approved, but its mooting has also been controversial. Who are the winners and losers of the delay?
7 October 2024: Will the proposal to delay EUDR be passed?
Following months of rumours and speculation, the European Commission has proposed a 12-month delay to the current EUDR deadline. So, will the proposal be passed and what does this mean for stakeholders?
7 October 2024: EUDR: Inside the guidance
On the day the EUDR was delayed, the EC released guidance, aiming to clarify some of the key elements of the regulation.
2 October 2024: EUDR U-turn as European Commission proposes delay
The European Commission has backtracked on European Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) implementation with a 12-month extension proposal.
30 September 2024: EUDR: Are Unilever, Nestlé, Mars, Mondelēz & Danone ready?
As the clock ticks down three months to go until EUDR, FoodNavigator reviews how ready food and drink giants like Unilever, Mondelēz International and Danone are for the industry-shaking regulation.
30 September 2024: Three months to EUDR – will there be a delay?
The EUDR deadline is now just 91 days away. But is industry ready and will the EU be forced to delay? Here’s the latest on the polarising piece of legislation.
17 September 2024: EUDR delay calls mount as world turns on Commission’s plans
No fewer than 45 countries, including the USA, and industry leaders have called for an EUDR delay as the sector rattles towards a deadline many have stressed it is ill-prepared for.
16 September 2024: EUDR disaster awaits as industry ‘underprepared’
Europe is ill-prepared for and faces catastrophe if the European Union Deforestation Regulation is implemented as planned on 30 December, with the economy set to take a major hit.
27 August 2024: What EUDR preparations or pauses are underway?
As the EUDR deadline gets closer, here’s how the globe is responding
18 July 2024: Is dairy linked to deforestation?
Deforestation has been linked to a range of commodities including palm oil, soy, cocoa and cattle. But how close is its link with dairy?
17 July 2024: Which crops are least prepared for the EUDR deadline?
With the EUDR deadline fast approaching, which crop is the most likely to comply? And conversely, which are predicted to cause the biggest regulatory headaches?
15 July 2024: How manufacturers can source soy sustainably: The EUDR and beyond
Soy is under the spotlight due to the approaching enforcement of the EUDR. But how can soy manufacturers ensure that they’re sourcing sustainably?
10 July 2024: Should maize be included in EUDR?
The EUDR deadline is now less than five months away. But as the 30 December date looms on the horizon, we wonder if there are commodities missing from the list, in particular, maize.
21 June 2024: White House urges delay of EUDR
The Biden administration has urged the EU to delay the implementation of the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) until its “substantial challenges” are addressed.
11 June 2024: Just how ready is the cocoa sector for EUDR?
Despite a deadline that is still seven months away, the incoming EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) is already driving efforts on the traceability of cocoa supplies. Conversely, the same study found a distinct lack of progress on other critical issues within the sector.
29 April 2024: EUDR: 7 lesser-known ways food operators could be impacted
As food and beverage operators scramble to comply with the EU’s new deforestation law, we round up seven of the lesser-known ways industry could be impacted.
9 April 2024: Deforestation unrest: EU policy implementation hangs in the balance after industry pushback
The European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) is facing major pushback from ministers and trade organisations within Europe, alongside continued pressure from palm oil producer nations in Asia, casting doubt on hopes for a smooth implementation.
21 March 2024: Palm oil: Report reveals split supply chain strategy to address EUDR
Importers of palm oil and its derivatives, such as palm kernel oil and meal, are devising strategies to comply with the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) in the short term.
19 March 2024: Will EU delay EUDR deadline?
Rumours are rife that the EU is planning to delay the EUDR deadline past 30 December 2024. But is this true, and if not, are suppliers and manufacturers ready?
22 January 2024: The race to meet the EUDR deadline is intensifying, so what help is available?
December 30, 2024 marks the day by which supply chain stakeholders, including producers, importers, manufacturers, brands, and retailers within the European Union must ensure they are selling, importing and exporting EUDR compliant cocoa, coffee, palm oil and beef.
