16 associations from across sectors unfairly affected by the regulation are urging the European Commission to include the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) in its 2025 simplification agenda. The message is clear:
The EUDR, as it stands, is unworkable — it places a disproportionate burden on operators, creates legal uncertainty, and risks significant trade disruption.
For the leather industry, simplification means:
- Focussing on the main drivers of deforestation and freeing by-products from the EUDR scope, as these have a marginal to nil impact on deforestation and virtually no leverage to drive a virtuous behaviour upstream in the supply chain
- Or, at the very least, introducing a “no/negligible-risk country” classification to exempt operators from geolocation-based traceability burdens,
- Due diligence Statement only for those who first place concerned goods on the EU market
It’s time for a targeted, risk-based, and practical review—through formal & objective amendments, not just FAQs. Simplification is a commitment. Now it must be delivered.
Joint Statement