Some Companies Express Frustration As EUDR Faces Another Delay To The End Of 2026 – CoffeeTalk

Food and consumer goods companies have accused the European Commission of jeopardizing its green agenda by proposing to delay a landmark anti-deforestation law for a second time. The EUDR, which requires companies importing commodities such as cocoa, coffee, rubber, palm oil, soy, dairy, and timber to prove they do not originate from deforested land, was due to take effect at the start of 2026. However, last month, the commission said it would propose a second delay until the end of 2026, citing problems with its IT system designed to process data from importers. EU officials have said the commission will formally propose the delay in the coming weeks, which will have to be agreed by the European parliament and member states.

Companies ranging from commodity traders to food manufacturers say they have spent millions preparing for the law and are frustrated by what they see as a lack of discipline in Brussels. Many are urging the commission to press ahead without the delay. Companies including Nestlé, Ferrero, and commodities trader Olam Agri have said postponing the law puts at risk the preservation of forests worldwide. They also urged Brussels not to postpone implementation, arguing that by doing so, it “risks penalising companies that have invested early in compliance and could erode trust in the EU’s leadership on sustainability”.

Campaigners fear that if negotiations are reopened, it could pave the way to a significant watering down of the law. Rightwing MEPs are lobbying for a “no risk” category that would exempt EU member states. Under the law in its current form, countries are benchmarked according to the risk of deforestation within their borders.

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