In a striking development, EU Environment Commissioner Jessika Roswall has proposed delaying the implementation of the EUDR by an additional year, pointing to persistent technical and IT infrastructure challenges across industries.

Timberhub remains committed to guiding the timber sector through these changes and turning regulatory complexity into a competitive advantage.

What's going on?

In her letter, Commissioner Jessika Roswall points out that the EU's IT system is not yet ready for the scale of transactions expected under the EUDR, which is essential for submitting due diligence statements and sharing data with customs.

Roswall explains that new projections have revealed the IT system will need to handle far more transactions than originally expected, including the high volume of small packages, downstream operator obligations, and internal checks by authorities. Without more time, the Commission fears the system could slow down or face repeated disruptions, making it impossible for operators to comply and risking serious impacts on EU trade flows.

She therefore proposes a one-year postponement of the application date, currently set for 30 December 2025, to avoid identified risks and give both companies and authorities clarity.

Reactions are mixed

This news has sparked a lot of mixed reactions in Europe and beyond. While many industry players outside Europe welcome the proposed delay as a much-needed breather, others caution it risks undermining the regulation's integrity and momentum.

Malaysian and Indonesian palm oil associations welcomed the delay, calling it crucial for giving producers time to close documentation gaps, get systems ready, and ensure they are not left behind when EUDR enforcement begins.

But not all voices are optimistic. The World Resources Institute issued a statement that "now is the time to enforce, not delay, the EU deforestation regulation," warning that further postponements will erode confidence in the EUDR and discourage ambition.

Some critics argue that the EU is effectively selling itself short to foreign stakeholders and lobbyists. Either the IT problems are as serious as claimed, which raises questions about how such gaps still exist at this stage, or the delay is simply a pretext. In either case, detractors warn, the EU risks appearing to bend under external pressure, undermining its credibility as a leader on environmental policy.

Stay the Course

A delay might give everyone more breathing room, or it could signal that parts of the EUDR will be revised. Right now, no one knows for sure. What we do know is that the regulation's goal has not changed: to make supply chains more transparent and deforestation-free. That means this is not the moment to pause, but to get businesses ready.

Regardless of the latest news, our team remains committed to delivering absolute clarity on EUDR requirements and providing practical, actionable guidance for stakeholders. As the only service designed specifically for the timber and forest products sector, we help our clients not just to stay compliant, but to build resilient supply chains and thrive in the face of regulatory change.

The EU may have stumbled on the technical side. Do not repeat the same mistake. Start preparing your supply chain for EUDR compliance now so you are not caught off guard.

Brussels might buy itself another year, but you do not get that luxury. Act today to make sure you have a smooth Day 1.