"Commission review shuts down calls to roll back EU deforestation regulation", 4 May 2025

Today’s publication of the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) review package ends months of uncertainty and signals a welcome shift from political scaremongering to practical implementation. The European Commission’s decision confirms that the regulation stands and is fit for purpose, and that companies and competent authorities must move forward with compliance...

However, changes to the product scope risk undermining one of Europe’s most important environmental laws before it is even implemented. Crucially, the decision to exclude leather sends a worrying signal that forest‑risk products can be left out despite clear environmental costs. 

WWF warns that any further exclusions would increase deforestation risks while creating a fragmented framework that exposes companies operating complex global supply chains to additional legal and market uncertainty. Many companies have invested significant time and resources to prepare their supply chains, only to see those efforts stalled by repeated political hesitation. Legal certainty and timely preparation are essential to ensure that the EUDR delivers its objectives, while providing a level playing field for businesses across the EU...

WWF calls on EU institutions, Member States and businesses to seize this moment to focus on implementation, cooperation and capacity‑building – ensuring the law delivers real benefits for forests, people and responsible companies...