Could your supply chain unknowingly be linked to illegal deforestation? With the UK Government’s announcement of new proposals to tackle illegal deforestation, that’s a question UK companies trading in rainforest-linked commodities will soon need to answer with hard evidence.
Under these new UK deforestation regulations, UK companies that trade in commodities sourced from rainforests such as soy, palm oil, cocoa and rubber will need to check that their supply chains are not contributing to illegal deforestation.
The aim of this announcement is a consistent regulatory environment, which have long been called for by many retailers, and should mean the UK has similar regulations to those being introduced into Europe under the EUDR regulations.
With further consultation to take place, specific details are yet to be decided, however the information GB businesses must hold will be broadly the same as what is needed for a due diligence statement when exporting to the EU or moving goods to Northern Ireland under the EUDR. It is expected that legislation to implement this regime in Great Britain should be delivered in 2027. With Northern Ireland’s unique dual market access to both the UK Internal Market and the EU Single Market, the EU Regulation on Deforestation-Free Products (EUDR) will apply in Northern Ireland in phases starting 30 December 2026.
The EU Deforestation Regulation (Regulation (EU) 2023/1115), published in mid-2023, aimed to minimise deforestation and forest degradation associated with agricultural raw materials imported into the European Union. It is part of the EU’s biodiversity strategy running to 2030.
It mandates that products derived from beef, cocoa, coffee, palm oil, natural rubber, soy or wood must be “deforestation-free” and legally produced to be placed on the EU market. If you import into the EU, produce, process or trade within the EU, or export from the EU any of the products covered by the EUDR, you may have responsibilities under the Regulation.
Under the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), large and medium operators must comply from 30 December 2026, while most micro and small operators follow on 30 June 2027. The table below summarises the key dates across both regimes:
| Region / Business Size | Regulation | Compliance Date |
|---|---|---|
| Northern Ireland | EUDR (phased) | From 30 December 2026 |
| EU large & medium operators | EUDR | From 30 December 2026 |
| EU micro & small operators | EUDR | From 30 June 2027 |
| Great Britain | New GB deforestation regime | Legislation expected 2027 |
The main pressure point for businesses will be traceability. With global supply chains, verifying the origin of obligated commodities becomes a commercial risk. Companies must obtain granular data including geolocation data, supplier declarations, segregation controls, and evidence that risk mitigation has taken place before goods are placed on the market.
Therefore, EUDR compliance assessments will be essential for UK businesses, and Valpak supports businesses in tracing supply chains to raw material origin and meeting the stringent requirements.
Compliance is essential to avoid penalties and ensure your business remains competitive in the market. We are here to help. With years of expertise in regulatory compliance, Valpak can guide your business through the due diligence process, ensuring your supply chains meet the standards set by Regulation 2023/1115.
Contact Valpak today to learn more about how we can help your business achieve compliance with the EU’s new deforestation-free product rules — and prepare early for the UK’s own deforestation regulations, expected in 2027.
Senior Environmental & Carbon Consultant