EU decides to postpone and amend the EUDR

Shortly before the end of 2025, the EU postponed the start of the application of the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) by one year to 30.12.2026 and at the same time decided on important changes that are also of great importance for the pallet sector. EPAL welcomes the EU's decision, as it reduces the bureaucratic burden for wood-processing companies without any disadvantages for the protection of forests.

The EUDR already came into force in June 2023 and was originally supposed to be applied from 30.12.2024. In December 2024, however, it was decided for the first time to postpone the application by one year to 30.12.2025. This date has now been postponed again by one year to 30.12.2026.

Just as important as the postponement of the application of the EUDR are the amendments adopted at the same time. The focus is on relieving the burden on companies in the so-called downstream supply chain that process products for which the EUDR due diligence obligations have already been fulfilled. This directly affects the manufacturers and repairers of EPAL pallets, as due diligence statements with reference numbers must already be available for the wood from which the boards and blocks for EPAL pallets are made.

The manufacturers and repairers of EPAL pallets therefore do not have to prepare a new due diligence statement, but only document the origin of the wood material. This is sufficient and represents a significant relief. 

Bernd Dörre, CEO of EPAL:

"The postponement of the application and in particular the amendment of the EUDR is good news for EPAL companies and all users of EPAL pallets. This relieves all companies of time-consuming and cost-intensive EUDR obligations without compromising the protection of forests. EPAL, together with other associations of the wood industry, has lobbied the EU Commission for such an appropriate reduction in bureaucracy in the EUDR. We are pleased that EPAL's commitment to the wood industry has been successful."

The EU Parliament and the governments of the EU member states have instructed the EU Commission to examine further measures to reduce bureaucracy in the EUDR by the end of April 2026. Therefore, it cannot be ruled out that further amendments to the EUDR will be adopted before the application starts in December 2026.

A new and up-to-date version of the EUDR with all changes is not yet available. However, the regulation amending the EUDR is available on the EU website: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2025/2650/oj/eng