The announcement carried weight well beyond Malta, where the European Cocoa Association has been convening two days of intensive discussions. The message was clear: the European Commission remains focused on implementing the EUDR on 30 December 2025, following last year’s postponement.
“For the moment, we have no instruction to work differently,” a senior Commission official said. “Our focus is on finalising the tools, answering outstanding questions, and preparing for entry into application.”
Implementation Tools and IT Systems
Delegates were told that work is concentrated on developing technical tools, simplifying product scope, and establishing a benchmarking system based on international data. FAQs and further clarifications will be released in the coming weeks.
The EUDR information system, open since December 2024, is nearing completion. Updates include new features, enhanced training for companies and authorities, and expanded translation. A further data update in October will trigger system refinements.