On 17 December 2024, the European Parliament voted in favour of postponing the application date of the European regulation on deforestation. This text, adopted in 2023, aims to prevent the sale in the European Union of products resulting from deforestation. The adopted postponement shifts the entry into application of the new rules, initially planned for the end of 2024, in order to give companies and authorities more time to prepare for them.
Regulation (EU) 2023/1115, known as the "deforestation regulation", prohibits the placing on the European market of products such as soy, palm oil, wood, cocoa, coffee, rubber and livestock if they contribute to deforestation or forest degradation. It requires companies to verify and prove that their products are not linked to the destruction of forests, anywhere in the world.
This regulation was due to apply from 30 December 2024 for large companies and from June 2025 for small ones. However, many economic stakeholders and some Member States reported difficulties in implementing it within the deadlines. The European Commission therefore proposed postponing the application of the text. The European Parliament was referred this proposal and voted on 17 December 2024.
Parliament approved the proposal for a regulation amending Regulation (EU) 2023/1115 as regards the date of application. In practice, it voted to postpone the entry into application of the obligations. The adopted text provides for a 12-month postponement: the rules will now apply from 30 December 2025 for large companies and from 30 June 2026 for micro and small enterprises.
Parliament also took note of a statement by the European Commission, which commits to supporting implementation and assisting partner countries. The rapporteur for the text was Christine Schneider (EPP, Germany).
The vote took place by roll call (each MEP votes individually and their vote is recorded). Result:
The text was therefore adopted by a large majority. This is Parliament's position at first reading, which corresponds to the final agreement with the Council. The amending regulation was published under reference (EU) 2024/3234.
For consumers, this postponement does not change the final objective: products sold in the EU must still be deforestation-free. But the new rules will enter into force a year later than planned. In practice, the products you buy (chocolate, coffee, wood, leather, etc.) will only be subject to the new traceability requirements from the end of 2025 for large retailers, and mid-2026 for small shops.
This additional time is intended to avoid market disruptions and to allow companies to adapt without rushing. For citizens committed to protecting forests, this postponement may seem like a step backwards, but it comes with a commitment from the Commission to strengthen support for producing countries and to combat imported deforestation.
In summary, Parliament chose to allow more time to apply an ambitious law, rather than risk a chaotic implementation. Citizens will be able to follow the next steps, including the publication of guidelines and the establishment of controls.
Approximate match via declared fields of interest. This does not prove influence on this vote.
