European Commission signals probable EUDR delay: What’s at stake?

Earlier this week, European Commissioner for Environment Jessika Roswall wrote to the chairs of the European Parliament’s Environment Committee and the EU Council of Environment Ministers. The letter, obtained by Euractiv, warned that the Information System (IT) designed to receive and process due diligence statements for the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) is unlikely to cope with the projected workload.

According to the Commission’s own assessment, the system could slow to “unacceptable levels” or suffer “repeated and long-lasting disruptions.” This would prevent companies from registering as operators, submitting due diligence statements, or providing the information needed for customs purposes, which effectively paralyses the law’s implementation.

To avoid such disruption, the letter said the Commission is considering a one-year postponement of the EUDR’s entry into application, currently scheduled for 30 December 2025. Discussions with the European Parliament and Council will take place before any formal announcement.

Signals of broader change

While the letter indicates only a potential delay of the regulation, an interview with Commissioner Roswall held the same day pointed to a clearer intention. Speaking before the Agriculture and Fisheries Council (AGRIFISH), she reiterated the IT system concerns and confirmed that she would engage with co-legislators to “seek” a one-year delay.

Importantly, the Commissioner also raised the issue of simplifying the regulation in discussions with lawmakers. This can be taken as a sign that revisions to the text of the regulation are also under consideration. If so, it would align with speculation that the EUDR might be considered for inclusion within a broader simplification omnibus for environmental legislation, expected later in 2025. The Commission recently concluded a Call for Evidence on this matter.

What this means for stakeholders

Strictly speaking, what has happened so far is not a formal proposal to delay or change the law. The Commission has not proposed legislation to that effect, nor has anything been voted on by the European Parliament or Council. However, postponement is now a strong possibility, with much of the media already reporting it as a certainty. Further revision also appears to be under active discussion.

With so little clarity, stakeholders worldwide are left guessing about what to expect.

For operators, traders, and supply chain partners, the current level of uncertainty creates a difficult paradox. The law remains in force and has not been amended — but the possibility of delay risks discouraging continued investment in preparation. This could leave many unprepared when obligations eventually take effect.

Companies that have already invested in systems, traceability tools, and sourcing adjustments may feel penalised, while competitors who delayed action could gain an unintended advantage. Producers and suppliers who have been promised premiums for compliant materials may also face uncertainty, with buyers reconsidering their commitments.

The EUDR was adopted in 2023 with overwhelming public support, reflecting broad societal ambition to address deforestation and forest degradation linked to climate change and biodiversity loss. Any delay would not change the underlying drivers, nor the direction of travel requiring businesses to better address environmental and social risks in their value chains. Whether in 2025 or later, businesses that stay the course now will avoid costly setbacks when enforcement of the obligations does take effect.