The Finnish Forest Industries Federation supports the Commission’s efforts to resolve the technical issues that make the EU Deforestation Regulation nearly impossible to implement, but calls for the swift implementation of the legislation, for which companies have been preparing and investing for years.
On 21 October, the European Commission published proposals to amend the regulation and partially postpone its application. According to the Commission, large and medium-sized companies would apply the regulation from 30 December 2025, while micro and small companies would follow one year later, on 30 December 2026.
The Commission’s proposal has increased uncertainty among forest industry companies, as it includes changes that may not be feasible to implement before the regulation comes into force. In addition, the proposals are considered to create unequal conditions between EU-based operators and those outside the Union.
Several Member States and business organizations have criticized the Commission’s approach and demanded more time to prepare the proposed changes. In the European Parliament, reactions to the Commission’s proposal have been divided.
– We still hope that the regulation will be applied as it stands from the end of this year. Combating global deforestation is important, and the forest industry supports the regulation’s key objectives. Changing the regulation just before its entry into application creates uncertainty for companies and international trade, says Maija Rantamäki, Head of International and EU Forest Affairs at The Finnish Forest Industries Federation.
– Companies have made significant investments to meet the regulation’s requirements, and implementing new changes within the proposed timeline is challenging. The Commission should focus on ensuring that the IT system is operational by the end of this year, Rantamäki continues.
If changes are nevertheless made to the regulation, The Finnish Forest Industries Federation emphasizes that sufficient time must be allocated for their preparation.
– The impact of changes on companies, competent authorities, and trade relations must be carefully assessed. Operators need a transition period, and the Commission must publish technical guidelines and IT system technical requirements well in advance of the application date. It is crucial that the regulation is applied equally to operators within the EU and outside the Union, Rantamäki stresses.
