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On 4 May 2026, the European Commission published a simplification package for the revised EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). This package includes a report on simplification measures, updated guidance documents, revised Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs), proposed updates to the EUDR Information System, and a draft delegated regulation amending Annex I to Regulation (EU) 2023/1115.

According to the Commission, the simplification measures introduced since the EUDR entered into force in June 2023, together with the latest package, are expected to reduce annual compliance costs for affected companies by approximately 75% compared to the original framework. The Commission stated that the measures are intended to provide additional legal certainty and facilitate implementation ahead of the application of the Regulation from 30 December 2026.

Background

The EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), Regulation (EU) 2023/1115, aims to ensure that certain commodities and products placed on the EU market or exported from the EU are not linked to deforestation or forest degradation. The Regulation covers commodities including cattle, cocoa, coffee, oil palm, rubber, soya, and wood, as well as certain derived products.

Under the Regulation, operators and traders must demonstrate that relevant products are deforestation-free, produced in accordance with the legislation of the country of production, and covered by a due diligence statement.

In December 2025, the European Parliament and Council adopted a revised version of the EUDR, maintaining the core obligations while postponing the application dates. The Regulation will apply from 30 December 2026 for large and medium-sized companies, as well as micro and small enterprises in the timber sector. Other micro and small enterprises will become subject to the Regulation from 30 June 2027.

Draft Delegated Regulation Proposes Annex I Changes

As part of the package, the Commission launched a public consultation on a draft delegated regulation amending Annex I to the EUDR. Feedback may be submitted until 1 June 2026.

The draft proposes several additions, removals, and technical clarifications concerning products covered by the Regulation. Proposed additions include soluble coffee products, frozen cattle tongues, and several palm oil-derived oleochemicals and chemical intermediates. According to the Commission, these changes are intended to prevent inconsistencies and reduce the risk of deforestation-linked supply chains falling outside the Regulation’s scope.

The proposal also removes certain leather-related products from the scope of the EUDR, including raw hides, skins, and cattle leather. In addition, the current entry covering retreaded or used pneumatic tyres would be narrowed to apply only to tyre treads.

Further amendments would introduce exclusions, clarifications, or technical carve-outs relating to:

• Waste and recovered materials
• Used and second-hand products
• Samples and products used for testing or analysis
• Certain packaging materials and containers
• Marketing and information materials supplied free of charge
• Items of correspondence.

The draft also clarifies species coverage for cattle, oil palm, rubber, and wood products, including exclusions relating to bamboo, rattan, buffalo, bison, and certain non-relevant palm species.

Updated Guidance and Information System Changes

Alongside the draft delegated regulation, the Commission published updated EUDR guidance and revised FAQs intended to support harmonised implementation across the EU. These documents provide further clarification on downstream supply chains, e-commerce obligations, geolocation requirements, and simplified obligations for micro and small primary operators.

The Commission is also updating the EUDR Information System to reflect the revised framework and improve usability. Planned updates include simplified declaration forms, revised API specifications, contingency mechanisms for system disruptions, and optional grouping features requested by businesses.

According to the Commission, this package is intended to support the practical implementation of the EUDR while maintaining the Regulation’s objective of reducing deforestation and forest degradation linked to commodities placed on the EU market.