Tech Watch: EU Commission Publishes Simplification Package for the Deforestation Regulation
The Commission has published its simplification package for the EU Deforestation Regulation.
On 4 May 2026, the European Commission has officially published its simplification review of the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), introducing a comprehensive set of measures to ensure a smooth and effective implementation by the end of this year. This package includes a report on simplification efforts, updated guidance and FAQs, and a draft Delegated Regulation amending the product scope in Annex I.
Targeted Updates to the Product Scope in the Draft:
The draft Delegated Regulation introduces "technical fixes" to Annex I to clarify which products are in or out of scope, thereby preventing bottlenecks at EU external borders.
- Key Additions: To close gaps and prevent the relocation of deforestation risk, the scope now includes frozen cattle tongues (to match fresh tongues) and soluble coffee (powder and granules).
- Expanded Oleochemicals: A wide range of palm oil derivatives used in the chemical industry—such as crude glycerol, industrial fatty alcohols (octanol, dodecan-1-ol), and various saturated monohydric alcohols—have been added to prevent the bypassing of rules through processing.
- Deletion of Leather: The Commission has removed raw hides, skins, and leather from the Annex. This decision recognises that the leather industry has limited leverage to obtain due diligence data from upstream suppliers and that hides have low economic value compared to meat.
- Limited Scope for Tyres: For retreaded tyres, the obligation is now restricted exclusively to the new rubber tread, rather than the entire used casing.
Refined Taxonomic Definitions
The Annex provides strict definitions for the commodities to avoid regulatory ambiguity:
- Cattle: Limited to the genus Bos and its sub-genera; it explicitly excludes buffalo and bison.
- Oil Palm: Limited to Elaeis spp., specifically excluding babassu oil.
- Rubber: Applies only to Hevea brasiliensis, excluding synthetic rubber and other natural gums like guayule.
- Wood: The regulation does not apply to bamboo or rattan, nor to products made from these materials.
General Exclusions and Derogations
To support a circular economy and reduce red tape, the draft clarifies several broad exemptions:
- Waste and Second-Hand Goods: Products defined as waste, as well as used or second-hand items, are excluded to encourage resource efficiency.
- Samples and Research: Small-scale samples of negligible value and products used for laboratory testing, analysis, or market research are exempt.
- Ancillary Materials:
- Packing Materials: Boxes, pallets, and containers are excluded if used exclusively to support, protect, or carry another product (whether single-use or repetitive-use).
- Marketing & Information: Manuals, leaflets, and free-of-charge catalogues accompanying a product are not subject to the regulation.
- Correspondence: Standard items of correspondence are excluded
Is Your Business EUDR-Ready?
With the EUDR implementation deadline approaching, ensure your supply chain meets the new due diligence obligations. Our EUDR Deforestation Impact Assessment service helps you identify deforestation risk exposure, address compliance gaps, and prepare for enforcement.
