The new European deforestation law targets the clearing of rainforests to create farmland for the production of agricultural goods. Four countries (Belarus, Myanmar, North Korea, and Russia) have been classified by the European Commission as 'high risk'.
These countries risk actual import restrictions. The new law will apply to soy, beef, palm oil, timber, cocoa, and coffee, as well as some derived products, including leather, chocolate, and furniture.
Additionally, dozens of countries have been classified as ‘moderate risk’. This category includes, among others, Brazil and Malaysia. From now on, these countries will face extra documentation requirements. Importers must demonstrate that their products do not originate from recently deforested areas. Australia, by contrast, is classified as ‘low risk’.
The law, known as EUDR, is not without controversy. Critics note that the country assessments may be unfair or could lead to trade issues. Environmental organizations have stated that the proposed import rules serve primarily a political trade purpose and aim hardly at environmental impact.
At the same time, the Commission has established a transition period: countries with a low-risk profile will have more time to comply with the rules. Brussels aims to avoid disproportionate consequences for countries with a good reputation in forest management. This even includes some EU countries with extensive logging and wood production.