Just weeks after suggesting a one-year delay, the European Commission has reversed its position on the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). On October 21, it confirmed that the law will take effect for medium and large companies from December 30, 2025 as originally planned.
Small and micro enterprises will get an extra 12 months to comply.
The sudden turnaround came after Environment Commissioner Jessika Roswall had announced in September that the application of the EUDR would be postponed by a year.
Now, the Commission’s new proposal contradicts that earlier statement, leaving industries such as the leather sector both surprised and disappointed.
The regulation, aimed at curbing products linked to deforestation, has faced strong criticism from the leather industry.
Stakeholders argue that leather is a by-products of the meat and dairy sectors, not direct drivers of deforestation. With less than two months before the law’s enforcement date, many companies feel unprepared and misled by shifting messages from Brussels.
Despite early promises, the expected “simplifications” have also fallen short. The Commission has not introduced the long-requested “no risk” country category, nor has it eased the geolocation requirements for suppliers.
However, there are two new developments. Reporting responsibilities in the EUDR digital system will now fall solely on the first operators placing products on the market. Meanwhile, small and micro importers from low-risk countries can complete a simplified, one-time due diligence process.
According to UNIC – Concerie Italiane, the Commission’s latest proposal maintains the December 2025 deadline for medium and large firms but adds a transition period without inspections or penalties until June 30, 2026.
For small and micro enterprises, the deadline shifts to December 30, 2026. They will also be allowed to submit a simplified declaration instead of full due diligence.
Yet the leather sector remains concerned. COTANCE, representing European leather industry, criticized the Commission for failing to conduct a scope-related impact assessment under Article 34, calling it a breach of legal obligations.
COTANCE argues that this scientific evidence, based on extensive data and stakeholder research, has been ignored.
The association urges the European Commission to respect its legal duties and carry out an evidence-based assessment before implementing such wide-reaching rules.
