WASHINGTON, D.C. – As the European Commission prepares a further postponement of its Deforestation-free Regulation (EUDR), proposals to simplify the law are abundant in Brussels. The undersigned organizations, representing the U.S. forestry and forest products sector value chain, urge the Commission to avoid a rushed process and take the time necessary to pursue simplification with great care. An additional year provides a valuable opportunity for the Commission to engage in productive dialogue with forest owners and operators in highly forested, low-risk countries like the U.S. to understand implementation challenges and reduce unintended consequences.
The EUDR is a landmark law with global implications. Simplifying a law of this scale requires focused, deliberate action to reduce compliance burdens while maintaining the law’s rigor and focus on combatting global deforestation. We encourage the Commission to take a careful approach to simplification, which can ultimately strengthen the law and ensure effective and equitable implementation across all affected commodities and geographies.
The U.S. forestry and forest products sector remains committed to sustainable forest management and deforestation-free forest products. Our business models depend on it. We welcome continued collaboration with EU institutions to ensure that the EUDR is effective, enforceable, and fair.
American Forest & Paper Association
American Hardwood Export Council
American Wood Council
Forest Resources Association
Hardwood Federation
National Alliance of Forest Owners
Southern Forest Products Association
Treated Wood Council
U.S. Industrial Pellet Association
