EU Delays Deforestation Law to 2027 and Eases Rules for Portuguese Importers

In a decisive turn for Europe’s environmental agenda, Brussels has granted a critical extension to its forest-protection law, shifting the burden of compliance well into 2026 and 2027. This move reshapes the obligations of companies across the EU, offers breathing room for member states and traders, and introduces a fresh tier in the deforestation risk map.

At a glance

Large traders now have until 30 December 2026 to fulfil their obligations under the EU Deforestation Regulation, while micro and small enterprises will see their deadline slide to 30 June 2027. A new "zero-risk" country category will ease reporting requirements for nations with stable or growing forest cover, and a review clause slated for April 2026 promises to reassess the legislation’s administrative load.

A temporary pause for compliance

Brussels’ decision delivers a one-year delay to the full rollout of Regulation (EU) 2023/1115, originally set to bite at the end of 2025. By pushing key dates into 2026 and 2027, the European Parliament aims to give operators and traders more time to upgrade their traceability systems and align with the due diligence framework. The extra interval also allows national authorities to finalize the digital infrastructure needed for mandatory electronic declarations.

Redrawing the risk landscape

In a bid to refine its approach, the EU has carved out a fourth risk tier alongside the existing low, standard and high categories. Countries designated "zero-risk" will face lighter verification checks, reflecting data on forest dynamics compiled by the European Commission. The commission is tasked with cementing this classification by 30 June 2025, drawing on satellite imagery and on-the-ground reports.

Stakeholder reactions in Brussels and beyond

Green NGOs such as WWF and Fern have condemned the postponement as a “step back” in the fight against biodiversity loss, warning that each month of delay equates to more hectares cleared. National capitals like Berlin and Vienna welcomed the extra time, citing the complexity of imposing diligence protocols on smallholders and cooperatives. Major commodity exporters in Brazil and Indonesia also lobbied for relief, concerned about the cost of compliance.

What this means for Portugal

Portuguese importers of coffee, cocoa and palm oil stand at a crossroads. While the reprieve eases short-term operational strain, it also prolongs market uncertainty for companies that have already invested in sustainable sourcing and chain-of-custody tools. Domestic retailers may find themselves juggling evolving EU rules with growing consumer demand for deforestation-free products.

Next steps on the horizon

Before these amended deadlines take effect, the Council of the EU must endorse the changes and the final text needs publication in the Official Journal. The built-in review in April 2026 will test whether the new framework strikes the right balance between environmental ambition and administrative feasibility. For now, Europe’s forest guardians watch closely as the countdown resets once more.