The European Commission has proposed a 12-month extension to the implementation of the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), giving coffee farmers and businesses more time to comply with its demands.

The EUDR, targeting commodities like coffee, cocoa and palm oil, requires importers to ensure their supply chains are deforestation-free from 30 December 2024. The new timeline extends the regulation to 30 December 2025 for large and medium companies and 30 June 2026 for micro and small businesses.

The extension proposal highlights concerns over the readiness of coffee producers, with the Commission stressing that while the timeline may change, the regulation's goals remain intact. "The extension proposal in no way puts into question the objectives or the substance of the law," it said.

In a press release, the European Commission said with just three months until the original implementation date, many global partners have voiced concerns about their readiness, notably during the recent UN General Assembly. Additionally, the level of preparation among European stakeholders is inconsistent; "while many expect to be ready in time, thanks to intensive preparations, others have expressed concerns," it added.

With the necessary implementation tools already in place, "the extra 12 months can serve as a phasing-in period to ensure proper and effective implementation," the Commission highlighted.

The European Commission has issued further guidance to assist coffee farmers in implementing the EUDR. This guidance covers various topics, including traceability requirements, legality obligations, updates on penalties and clarifications on key terms such as 'forest degradation,' 'operator' and 'placing on the market'.

Further guidance has been issued, including clarifications on traceability, legality requirements and the methodology for assessing country-specific risks, expected to be finalized by July 2025.

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