InfoSAWIT, JAKARTA – The European Parliament officially adopted a proposal on November 14, 2024, to delay the implementation of the European Union’s Deforestation-Free Regulation (EUDR) by one year. The decision follows a recommendation from the European Commission on October 2, 2024. Alongside the delay, the Parliament approved eight amendments to the regulation, including the introduction of a controversial “No Risk” category, which has drawn sharp criticism.
Originally slated for enforcement in January 2025, the EUDR aims to combat deforestation by imposing stringent standards on commodities like palm oil, soy, and cocoa entering the EU market. However, the delay and the approved amendments have raised concerns about undermining the regulation’s core objectives.
A Controversial Addition: The ‘No Risk’ Category
One of the most contentious changes is the introduction of a “No Risk” category in the country risk assessment system, which previously included only high-risk, low-risk, and standard categories. Countries in the “No Risk” category would not be required to conduct due diligence and would only need to audit 0.1% of their imports.
Eligibility for this category depends on criteria such as stable or increased forest coverage since 1990, compliance with the Paris Agreement, and transparent enforcement of national forest conservation regulations.
According to Satya Bumi Executive Director Andi Muttaqien, the new category discriminates against producer countries like Indonesia, Malaysia, and Brazil. “This clause overtly protects EU member states while putting undue pressure on producer countries that could be classified as high risk,” Andi said in a statement received by InfoSAWIT on Saturday, November 16, 2024.
The “No Risk” clause is seen as granting unfair advantages to EU nations, allowing them to bypass strict compliance requirements. This could incentivize European companies to shift their suppliers from high-risk countries to those labeled as “No Risk,” further sidelining producer countries in Asia and South America.
While the European People’s Party (EPP), a proponent of the amendment, emphasized its intent to classify EU nations with strong forest management as zero risk, Andi argued that no country is entirely free from forest degradation. “The EUDR must be applied equitably, without discrimination,” he insisted.
Satya Bumi has urged the European Commission to retract the delay proposal and ensure that the EUDR proceeds as planned. “The climate crisis cannot wait. Delays only worsen the situation, pushing us closer to the point of no return,” Andi warned.
The proposal will now be submitted to the European Council for approval before the end of 2024. The final decision will shape the future of this critical regulation, which serves as a cornerstone in the global fight against deforestation. (T2)
