EU countries agree to delay new law aimed at reducing deforestation. Image: Lemu
(The Post News)- The European Union’s deforestation legislation has been delayed by 12 months, with the Council of the European Union issuing a statement confirming the postponement. This delay allows the EU to push back the implementation of the anti-deforestation law, which was initially set to take effect at the end of 2024.
The new start date for the EU’s policy to ban the import of deforestation-linked goods is now December 2025. This decision comes after pushback from industries and governments, including the US and Brazil, which claim that the EU’s measures to combat climate change are too onerous.
The delayed law will require companies and traders to provide proof that their products, including wood, cocoa, rubber, and derived products like chocolate, are not contributing to deforestation. Countries will be categorized as low, medium, or high risk for deforestation, determining the level of scrutiny from customs authorities.
Environmental groups have expressed concerns that the delay could weaken the law, with campaigner Nicole Poslterer stating that it shouldn’t be used as an excuse to water down the legislation.
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