rki.news | Source: Xinhua
The European Commission has proposed removing leather from the scope of the revised EU Deforestation Regulation, aiming to ease pressure on European manufacturers of goods such as shoes and handbags.
The draft delegated act, open for public feedback until June 1, outlines targeted changes to the regulation’s scope. While leather and retreaded tyres are set to be excluded, items such as soluble coffee and certain palm oil derivatives would be added.
The proposal is part of a broader package designed to support smooth implementation of the revised law, adopted in December 2025 by EU lawmakers. These measures include updated guidance, a simplification review, and clarifications for businesses and partner countries.
According to the Commission, the changes could reduce annual compliance costs for companies by around 75 percent compared to the original framework, improving clarity and predictability for economic operators.
The regulation aims to ensure products entering the EU market do not contribute to deforestation or forest degradation, key drivers of climate change and biodiversity loss. It is set to take effect from December 2026 for larger firms, with smaller businesses following in mid-2027.