12/12/2025

Important EUDR Update: Political Agreement Reached on Implementation Postponement

On 4 December, the European Council and the European Parliament reached a provisional political agreement on targeted amendments to the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). As this development significantly affects the printing industry and paper distributors, we outline the key implications.

Although the agreement has not yet entered into force — it still requires a formal vote in the European Parliament, approval by the Council, and publication in the EU Official Journal — the direction is clear: EUDR implementation will be postponed.

Key Changes

• EUDR application deadlines will be extended:
– for medium and large companies until 30 December 2026,
– for micro and small companies until 30 June 2027.

• Printed products (such as books) will be removed from the scope of the regulation in the proposed text — meaning printers and publishers will no longer be required to submit due diligence statements for these products.

• Paper and board remain within the scope, and the requirements will apply to the upstream supply chain of raw materials.

• Due diligence obligations will be simplified:
only the first operator placing the product on the EU market will be required to submit declarations.

What This Means for Polap Clients

While the final decision is still pending formal approval, the practical implications for the industry are as follows:

EUDR obligations for paper and board will begin only at the end of 2026.

Printers, publishers, and printing houses will no longer need to file declarations for books or other printed products.

The administrative burden will be significantly reduced, as declarations will primarily be required from the first operator in the supply chain.

Since both the Parliament and the Council have previously supported an identical postponement scenario, there is a very high likelihood that the final approval will not deviate from the agreed text.

Conclusion

The targeted amendments to the EUDR provide the industry with more time, a clearer regulatory framework, and substantially reduce the compliance burden for printing companies.
Polap will continue to monitor developments and ensure that our clients receive timely, practical information regarding upcoming requirements.