Revision of the EUDR: Parliament adopts simplification amendments, council presents its negotiating position

The legislative process to adjust and simplify the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) reached two major milestones this month. The European Parliament on 26 November 2025 adopted a set of amendments aimed at improving the regulation’s practicality, while the Council of the EU on the 19 November agreed on its negotiating position, endorsing targeted simplifications without undermining environmental ambition.

These developments follow the European Commission’s proposal of 21 October 2025, which initiated the revision process with a set of concrete simplification measures. Trilogues between the three institutions will now start, with the earliest possible final vote taking place between the 15-18 December

Parliament vote: Key amendments adopted

On 26 November, Members of the European Parliament voted in favour of a package of amendments that maintain the core structure of the EUDR but introduce adjustments to improve feasibility and reduce administrative burden.

Key elements include:

• Delay by 12 months for all affected and a voluntary test phase from October 2026.
• Simpler due diligence requirements for downstream operators and traders, incl. only first downstream operators need to collect and document reference numbers / declaration identifiers.
• Simplification review of the EU deforestation law by 30 April 2026

Overall, the Parliament’s position aligns with the need for a “practical but robust” EUDR, ensuring the legislation remains effective while addressing operator concerns.

Council proposal: General approach with emphasis on usability

On 19 November, the Council adopted its general approach, confirming broad support for the Commission’s direction while adding its own refinements.

Key elements of the Council position include:

• Delay by 12 months for all affected, no grace period
• Micro and small primary operators submit a one-time “simplified declaration” before placing or exporting relevant products. For these, the requirement to provide exact geolocation of plots of land may be replaced with a postal address.
• Only the first downstream operator or trader has to ensure traceability by holding and passing on the reference number / declaration identifier.
• Simplification review of the EU deforestation law by 30 April 2026

The Council’s approach reflects a strong emphasis on administrative practicality while maintaining the regulation’s environmental integrity.

Next steps toward adoption

With the Parliament and Council positions now set, the next phase is trilogue negotiations, where the institutions work to agree on a final common text. The expected process is:

1. Trilogues begin (end of November) – Negotiations will focus on reconciling the delay, the scope of simplification for downstream operators & traders, and traceability requirements.
2. Provisional agreement – A political compromise between the three institutions.
3. Formal approval (expected in the week of the 15 December) – Parliament and Council must both formally adopt the agreed text.
4. Publication and entry into force  – The amended regulation will be published in the Official Journal, and enters into force three days after.

What this means for companies

The direction of travel is consistent across institutions: simplification without weakening due diligence obligations. It is expected that a delay will be agreed upon, but there is no indication of a rollback of the EUDR’s core environmental objectives. Operators, especially downstream and micro & small primary operators can expect adjustments in information requirements and due diligence obligations, but are recommended to continue establishing internal processes and clarity on their supply chain.

Official sources

European Parliament – vote on amendments (26 November 2025)

• Press release
• Adopted amendments

Council of the EU - general approach (19 November 2025)

• Position document

European Commission - proposal (21 October 2025)

• Document
• Press release