EU Proposes Easing, Possible Delay for Smallholders

The European Commission proposed easing its landmark anti-deforestation law while keeping its entry into force on December 30, 2025, aiming to curb deforestation tied to imports such as beef, cocoa, coffee, palm oil, soy and wood. Key tweaks would cut paperwork for many smallholders — including a one-time declaration for smallholders in low-risk countries — and require only the first company placing a commodity on the market to submit the due-diligence statement, allowing downstream firms to rely on importer statements. The Commission proposed phased enforcement relief, with larger companies subject to full checks from June 30, 2026 and smaller firms given later declaration deadlines, and commissioners said firms would get roughly six months' leeway on penalties after the law takes effect. Some reports say the package could also include a longer postponement for small and micro operators — potentially to mid-2027 — and simplified declarations for small producers. All changes remain subject to approval by EU governments and the European Parliament and could be altered before adoption.