On 21 October 2025, the European Commission published a proposal to amend the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR): COM(2025) 652.
Changes to timeline
Micro and small operators are proposed to receive a one-year extension, meaning the EUDR would apply to them starting from 30 December 2026.
No extension is proposed for other operators, but enforcement obligations for competent authorities would begin on 30 June 2026.
Micro enterprises are defined as having fewer than 10 employees and an annual turnover or balance sheet total of no more than € 2 million. Small enterprises have fewer than 50 employees and an annual turnover or balance sheet total of no more than € 10 million (Commission Recommendation 2003/361/EC).
Micro and small operators established in low-risk countries and placing their own products on the EU market would be exempt from submitting full due diligence statements. Requirements would be simplified, and a one-time declaration containing basic information would suffice.
Full due diligence obligations would continue to apply to products placed on the EU market or exported from the EU for the first time.
Reduced reporting for downstream operators and traders
Downstream operators and traders will be defined separately and would no longer be required to submit due diligence statements. However, they would remain responsible for recordkeeping and ensuring traceability by passing on reference numbers and declaration identifiers.
The proposal is still subject to approval by the European Parliament and the Council.
Varova will continue to monitor the legislative process and make updates of any significant developments.
In Finland, the competent authority is the Finnish Food Authority (Ruokavirasto), which will publish further guidance on its website once available.