The European Parliament voted on 26 November to approve the Council’s proposal to postpone the entry into force of the EU Compliance Regulation by one year. With this decision, the compliance dates for companies under the EU’s Anti-Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) have been definitively established: 30 December 2026 for medium and large enterprises, and 30 June 2027 for micro and small companies.
The vote marks a significant reprieve for European tanneries, which have been under intense pressure as bovine hides are included at every stage of the processing chain under EUDR. Commenting on the outcome, German MEP Christine Schneider stated: “We welcome the plenary’s clear stance, which is largely in line with the compromise reached by Member States. We aim to protect forests under threat from deforestation, but key components necessary to implement the regulation—such as the IT system—are not yet ready. It was evident that the new rules had to be postponed for all companies.”
While the need for postponement had been anticipated by European Environment Commissioner Jessika Roswall in September, the Commission unexpectedly proposed on 22 October that medium and large enterprises begin complying with EUDR as early as 30 December 2025, causing significant disruption and uncertainty across supply chains.
The process now moves to the Trilogue, where the Parliament, Council and Commission will negotiate the final details of the regulation. Further clarifications are expected by April 2026.
