EU Commission Considers Postponing EUDR Until End-2026 – IT Issues or Politics?

The European Commission has informed the European Parliament that the application of the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) may be postponed by one year – from 30 December 2025 to end of 2026. The official explanation points to serious concerns with the IT system required for implementation.

Official reason: IT challenges

The system is intended to manage operator registration, process due diligence statements, and interface with customs authorities. New projections suggest a far higher workload than anticipated, driven by:

• the large number of small parcels imported into the EU,
• added obligations for downstream operators,
• time-consuming checks by the Commission and national authorities.

According to Commissioner Jessika Roswall, this could lead to “unacceptable slowdowns or repeated outages,” preventing companies from complying with their obligations.

Political background: more than just IT

At the same time, many observers question whether IT issues are the full story. The timing and context suggest that political considerations are also at play:

• In trade discussions with the United States, the EU has pledged to reduce reporting burdens for non-EU companies.
• Under the banner of “simplification”, EU sustainability regulation is under increasing political pressure.
• A consultation on several environmental laws (including the EUDR, Green Claims Directive, and IED) is currently underway as preparation for another Omnibus package on simplification.

Against this backdrop, the postponement is widely seen as not just a technical adjustment, but also a political concession to trade partners and deregulation advocates.

Implications for companies

For companies, the postponement means:

• More preparation time to adapt supply chains to EUDR.
• Prolonged uncertainty about how strict the regime will ultimately be.
• A clear signal that even core Green Deal regulations are not immune to political compromise.

Conclusion:
The EUDR remains a cornerstone of EU sustainability law – but its entry into force will be delayed. Officially because of IT, unofficially also because of political realities. Companies should use the extra time to prepare supply chains and closely monitor the ongoing Omnibus negotiations.

‍