The European Commission’s announcement this week of ‘targeted updates to ensure a smoother rollout of the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR)’ aims to preserve the much-troubled law, simplify compliance for small operators, and stabilise IT infrastructure.
It means large companies stay on track for the 30 December 2025 implementation, while small ones get an extra year, subject to approval by the European Parliament and European Council, which is expected by the end of the month.
Industry action was swift and, in general, met with palliative relief that the legislation would not be delayed by another 12 months, or worse, scrapped completely.
Caroline Busse, Satellite Monitoring & EUDR Compliance expert, said on LinkedIn: “The timing and communication of the new updates were chaotic, to say the least. But the proposed amendments would meaningfully reduce unnecessary DDS exchanges along the supply chain and lower the burden for smaller companies, while keeping core EUDR goals intact.”
The Rainforest Alliance welcomed the Commission’s clarification, applauding the decision to maintain the 2025 deadline for large companies. However, it expressed concern that the simplifications favour EU farmers rather than smallholders in tropical regions.
In a statement, it has called for fairness and urgency—especially for smallholders supplying the global cocoa and coffee market.
“The fight to protect the world’s forests remains at the heart of our mission,” It said.
- Read the European Commission’s statement on its proposals here
Election watch: Côte d’Ivoire goes to the polls
The outcome of Côte d’Ivoire’s presidential election on 25 October could significantly impact its cocoa production, given the country's position as the world's top cocoa producer, supplying approximately 40% of global output.
Given the incumbent President, Alassane Ouattara's strong position, his victory is the most probable outcome. This ensures short-term stability for cocoa production - provided any civil protests following the vote are contained.
It would mean Côte d’Ivoire maintains its output at current levels annually and continues its economic policies, which have driven consistent cocoa production growth since 2011. An opposition upset, while unlikely, would introduce uncertainty but could benefit farmers if promised reforms materialise.
Global cocoa markets will watch closely, with price volatility hinging on post-election stability.