Dubai – Qahwa World
The European Commission has unveiled a new package of measures aimed at simplifying the implementation of the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), while also expanding the regulation to include soluble coffee.
The announcement brings greater clarity to a regulation that has faced repeated delays since it was first proposed in 2021. The EUDR officially entered into force in 2023 and was initially scheduled to apply by the end of 2024. However, concerns from industries and producing countries over preparedness and compliance requirements led to multiple postponements.
The Commission now says it is focused on ensuring the regulation becomes fully operational by 30 December 2026.
As part of the latest revisions, EU officials estimate the simplification measures could lower annual compliance and administrative costs for affected companies by approximately 75 per cent compared with the original framework.
For the coffee sector, one of the most significant developments is the decision to add soluble coffee to the regulation’s scope. Industry representatives believe the move will create more consistent rules across coffee categories and strengthen fair competition within the European market.
Eileen Gordon-Laity, Secretary General of the European Coffee Federation, said the inclusion of soluble coffee would support equal treatment across the sector while reinforcing the environmental objectives of the regulation. She noted that aligned requirements are important for companies preparing for compliance ahead of the implementation deadline.
The updated package also includes changes to the EUDR digital system, with simplified paperwork requirements for smaller producers such as farmers and foresters.
Meanwhile, companies placing products on the market for the first time, including coffee roasters and major importers, will continue to face full due diligence obligations. Businesses further down the supply chain will mainly be responsible for collecting supplier reference numbers rather than independently verifying compliance.
The Commission also proposed removing leather and retreaded tyres from the regulation’s scope. Certain packaging materials, waste products, and product samples would also receive exemptions. In addition, several palm oil derivatives are expected to be added alongside soluble coffee.
Environmental groups have called on the European Union to avoid further delays in implementing the law. Anke Schulmeister-Oldenhove from WWF’s European Policy Office said the regulation must now move from discussion to action, warning that continued postponements could weaken both enforcement efforts and environmental credibility.
The draft Delegated Act is open for public feedback until 1 June 2026.
