EUDR: Our letter of support addressed to the European Commission and Members of the European Parliament

From a coalition of National Alliances: Alliance for the Preservation of Forests, Belgian Alliance for a Sustainable Palm Oil, Efeca (secretariat of the UK Sustainable Commodities Initiative) ATIBT (International Tropical Timber Technical Association)

and companies: FERRERO, NESTLE, Tony’s Chocolonely, SIPH – Groupe SIFCA, Olam Agri, Socfin, Sogescol, Precious Woods, Expanscience Laboratoires, Barry Callebaut, Danone.

For the attention of

President of the European Commission, Ms Ursula Von der Leyen,

European Commissioner for Environment, Ms Jessika Roswall,

Members of the European Parliament,

3rd of July, 2025

As representatives of companies and trade associations committed to improving the quality, safety, and sustainability of commodities consumed across Europe, we strongly call for the full preservation and swift, ambitious implementation of the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR).

Over the past years, we have worked to ensure that the fight against deforestation, now an undeniable ecological emergency, becomes a non-negotiable condition for enhancing supply chain resilience and building consumer trust. The stakeholders we represent have invested in transparent practices, traceable and sustainable supply chains, and the respect of human rights, labor rights, and biodiversity.

In this context, the EUDR marks a vital step forward. It provides a clear, fair, and ambitious framework for all market actors in the EU. It promotes transparency, encourages cooperation with producer countries, supports investment in countries of origin, and drives innovation in traceability systems. In short: it gives direction and meaning to the commitments we have long upheld.

From the outset, we have worked to ensure that the Regulation would be implemented effectively. While we acknowledge the legislative and technical challenges that remain unresolved, we are proud to affirm that our companies are preparing responsibly for its entry into force.

We are therefore deeply concerned by repeated attempts to delay, revise, or even repeal the Regulation. Such moves not only damage the credibility of EU institutions and national governments but also worsen legal uncertainty, increase operational costs, and create confusion. Even more troubling, they send a contradictory message to consumers, just as the demand for transparency and sustainability is reaching unprecedented levels.

We firmly oppose any proposal to amend the EUDR that would trigger a new legislative process. This would lead to further delays, deepen regulatory instability, and undermine the significant investments already made by our companies to align with the Regulation.

We strongly reaffirm that:

• The EUDR must be preserved in both ambition and timeline and implemented pragmatically.
• Any revision would open a dangerous window of uncertainty that would discourage investment.
• Legal stability and regulatory certainty are essential to the competitiveness of European companies.
• Dedicated support for smallholder farmers in producing countries is crucial to ensure fair and inclusive implementation.

We believe this Regulation must be defended, maintained, and implemented with consistency. Any postponement or weakening would create a dangerous regulatory vacuum, represent a step backward politically and economically, and penalize the very companies that have long invested in responsible sourcing.

We urge European governments not to give in to the temptation of retreat. A trade policy aligned with our climate and social commitments is not only necessary, it is already underway. Provided we stay the course.