European Parliament approves changes to the EUDR
This afternoon (17 December 2025), the European Parliament voted in plenary to approve the provisional agreement reached through institutional negotiations. The amendments reduce obligations for EUDR Operators and Traders and postpone the regulation’s application date by one year.
The Parliament voted 405 in favour, 242 against, with 8 abstaining, resulting in the adoption of the amendments.
What is changing?
The amending regulation includes significantly reduced obligations for downstream actors in relation to information collection and reporting in the Information System. Small and micro-sized entities acting as domestic Operators that harvest, grow, or raise (cattle) relevant commodities also have their requirements streamlined. These entities are most likely based within the EU.
The amendments remove printed materials under Chapter 49 from the scope of the regulation, an addition introduced late in the legislative process by the European Parliament. Furthermore, the European Commission is required to carry out a “simplification review” of the regulation and submit a report to co-legislators by the end of April 2026. Where appropriate, this report may be accompanied by a legislative proposal, which could further simplify certain elements of the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR).
Download our EUDR comparison table for a detailed overview of the agreed changes.
Legislative timeline
- 21 October 2025: The European Commission presented a legislative proposal to amend the EUDR (EU 2023/1115), aiming to allow more time for system readiness and compliance. The proposal also included measures to reduce obligations for downstream Operators and Traders within the EU, and to postpone the EUDR’s date of application (enforcement).
- 19 November 2025: The European Council adopted its own mandate in response to the Commission proposal.
- 26 November 2025: The European Parliament followed suit, adopting the Commission proposal with 36 amendments.
- 3 December 2025: Trilogue concludes with a provisional agreement announced by the Council and the European Parliament
CATCH UP: Read our November 2025 analysis of the three European institutions’ negotiating position as the legislative process moved to Trilogue
What happens now?
The Council also needs to adopt the provisional agreement. The new amending regulation will then be published in the Official Journal of the EU and will take effect on the third day after publication.
Stay informed and get guidance
To help organisations understand the implications of these amendments, Preferred by Nature is hosting a webinar on the EUDR amendments. Join us on 28 January 2026 for a detailed walkthrough of what has changed, why it matters, and the revised obligations for operators and traders, along with an open Q&A to answer your questions.
Preferred by Nature will continue to monitor the legislative process and report on further developments.
- For more information on the EUDR, visit our dedicated webpage.
- Need support with your due diligence obligations? Explore our Due Diligence Toolkit.
- Looking for tailored guidance? Learn how our Sustainability Advisory services can support your goals.
For more information, please contact:
David Hadley
