Latest developments on the EUDR

What the 26 November 2025 vote means for businesses

• Introduction
• What was decided?
• Key elements of the agreement
• What happens next?

Introduction

The introduction of the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) has been a concern for companies across many supply chains for months. On 26 November 2025, a pivotal vote took place in the European Parliament that will significantly influence the further implementation of the Regulation. The three most important EU institutions signalled that the EUDR cannot enter into force as originally planned – a further postponement has been agreed.

The political discussions clearly show that the current draft of the EUDR is still viewed as presenting numerous challenges, particularly in terms of bureaucracy, practical implementation and the burden on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

What was decided?

The European Commission’s amendment proposal was confirmed in its core aspects. Nevertheless, the suggested adjustments did not go far enough for many Members of Parliament and Member States. Additional amendments were submitted by almost all political groups – ranging from a rejection of all changes to calls for a substantial postponement of the EUDR by up to 24 months.

In the end, a majority agreed on a compromise designed to provide short-term relief for both businesses and public authorities.

Key elements of the agreement

• Postponement of the start date by 12 months for all economic operators.
• Due diligence obligation limited to first placers: In future, submission of a DDS declaration will only be required from companies that place the raw materials or products on the EU market for the first time.
• Facilitations for SMEs: Small and medium-sized enterprises are to face significantly less red tape and reduced reporting obligations.
• Review of the EUDR by 30 April 2026: The European Commission has been mandated to present a report on possible measures to reduce administrative burdens.
• Fast-track procedure for finalisation: The European Commission was brought back into the process immediately after the vote in order to swiftly coordinate the final adjustments.

What happens next?

For the amendment package to enter into force, Parliament, Council and Commission must formally sign off the changes by 30 December 2025 at the latest. The final plenary session of the European Parliament will already take place on 15 December 2025 – a tight timeframe that underlines the urgency of the matter.

Only after formal signature will the postponed and revised version of the EUDR actually take effect. Until then, many detailed questions remain open, particularly for importers of raw materials such as natural rubber, coffee, cocoa, timber, soya or palm oil.

We will continue to monitor developments closely and will keep all relevant industry stakeholders informed about further decisions and their implications.