EUDR timeline shift: What the latest postponement means for businesses.

EUDR postponement timeline: Why the delay happened and what changes

Although in force since 29 June 2023, the EUDR quickly ran into practical challenges. In late 2024, the European Commission announced that the EU’s digital systems, particularly the central due diligence IT platform, were not ready, leading to a one year postponement. This triggered a broader political rethink.

The Commission also acknowledged concerns from micro and small enterprises, who warned that the supply chain mapping and geolocation requirements were disproportionately burdensome. As a result, in November 2025 the Commission recommended shifting the entry into application dates by one year to ensure the regulation launches with the proper tools, guidance and support.

The newly proposed deadlines are:

• 30 December 2026: Compliance deadline for large and medium sized companies
• 30 June 2027: Compliance deadline for micro and small enterprises

Alongside the delay, the Commission committed to completing a simplification review by April 2026, focusing on reducing administrative burdens, especially for smaller companies. These changes acknowledge the complexity of enforcing such a wide reaching regulation across global supply chains.

Is the EUDR delay an opportunity or a setback for compliance planning

Many businesses have welcomed the delay, arguing that the original timeline was unrealistic. Many face practical issues in tracing complex supply chains, obtaining geolocation data from smallholder farmers, and operating without the promised EU IT system. For these companies, the postponement provides valuable time to build or adapt their compliance systems without compromising accuracy.

Environmental NGOs, however, are critical of the postponement. They argue that deforestation remains an urgent global issue and that any delay risks weakening the EU’s climate and biodiversity commitments. From their perspective, the postponement signals that administrative challenges are outweighing environmental urgency.

Within the political sphere, some members of the European Parliament have voiced concern that a prolonged timeline could undermine the perceived strength of the EUDR. They caution that longer lead times may open the door to further exemptions or diluted requirements during the simplification review.

More time to prepare, but use it wisely

Companies dealing in commodities such as coffee, cocoa, cattle, palm oil, rubber, soy and wood now have additional time to prepare for the regulation. This includes developing or strengthening systems for:

• Supply chain due diligence
• Geolocation data collection
• Risk assessments
• Traceability infrastructure
• Supplier engagement and monitoring

The extra year offers an opportunity to build robust, well structured processes rather than rushed or incomplete compliance systems.

What happens next in the EUDR legislative process

The European Parliament has begun negotiations with member states to finalise the wording of the amended regulation. Once consensus is reached, the updated EUDR will be published in the Official Journal of the European Union and become legally binding. This must happen before the end of 2025 for the one year delay to take effect.

Until then, the original regulation technically remains in force. However, the political direction is clear. Businesses should continue preparing for EUDR compliance while factoring in the likely revised timelines. This pause is an opportunity to prepare thoroughly, not a reason to pause entirely.

How Gaston Schul helps your business prepare for EUDR with confidence

Getting ready for the EUDR can be challenging, especially when it comes to classification, documentation and due diligence. At Gaston Schul, our experts guide you with practical, hands on support tailored to your supply chain and business model.

Here is how we typically help:

• Discovery call: We start with a one to one consultation to understand your supply chain and identify where support is needed.
• EUDR goods check: We review your product data and classifications to assess whether your goods fall under EUDR requirements.
• Regular reporting: You receive clear, structured reports showing which of your shipments are in scope of the EUDR.
• Compliance advisory: We help you design EUDR procedures and support you in preparing and submitting due diligence statements via the EU portal.

Whether you are just starting or refining your approach, we help you stay ahead of regulation and reduce compliance risk.