US lawmakers urge EU not to water down deforestation law in review

A pair of US lawmakers has urged the European Commission to stand firm against mounting pressure to dilute the European Union’s anti-deforestation law, just days before the EU executive is due to review it, potentially revising the list of products covered.

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Democratic Representatives Lloyd Doggett and Rashida Tlaib called on the Commission to uphold both the substance and the timeline of the EU’s Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), which requires suppliers of palm oil, timber, leather, coffee, beef and other commodities to demonstrate that their production has not led to deforestation.

Failure to comply would prevent producers from selling their goods on EU markets.

Originally due to take effect on 30 December 2024, the bloc’s anti-deforestation law has been delayed twice.

The first postponement, in October 2024, followed increased pressure from industry, political groups and exporting countries, which argued that the EU executive had failed to provide sufficient guidance to help companies through the transition.

The second delay, in September 2025, was linked to an IT glitch, according to the Commission.

Deforestation and climate change

The US lawmakers framed their plea as a test of global resolve against climate change, noting that deforestation accounts for a substantial share of greenhouse gas emissions and continues at a vast scale each year. Weakening the law, they warn, would send the wrong signal at a critical moment.

“With over 10 million hectares–the size of Portugal–being deforested each year and accounting for up to 21% of global greenhouse gas emissions, the EUDR is necessary to combat the existential climate crisis,” reads the letter dated 24 April.

The US lawmakers’ appeal comes amid efforts by the Trump administration to introduce a controversial “no risk” classification for certain countries — a move critics say would exempt some exporters from strict traceability requirements.

“Should the EU create this designation and consider the US for classification, American companies would operate in a regulatory desert, without transparency or oversight,” the letter states, warning that such a move would create “significant loopholes”, undermining enforcement and allowing deforestation-linked goods to slip through the cracks.

While pressing the EU for greater flexibility, Washington has at the same time moved to expand domestic timber production and roll back certain forest protections. The lawmakers argue that these steps weaken the credibility of US calls for special treatment under the EU system.

Meanwhile, companies — including many in the United States — have already invested heavily in supply chain transparency and compliance systems in anticipation of the regulation. Further delays or exemptions, they say, would penalise early movers while rewarding less scrupulous actors.

After two postponements, any additional delay would prolong uncertainty and could result in millions of tonnes of additional carbon emissions, the letter argues.

EU meets US on anti-deforestation

After meeting US Ambassador to the EU Andrew Puzder on Monday, Environment Commissioner Jessika Roswall said the top priority is to ensure the bloc’s anti-deforestation rules address the global challenge of deforestation, while continuing to support implementation and provide further clarification.

“The Commission’s priority on the EUDR is to ensure the rules address the global challenge of deforestation and are fit for purpose, while ensuring we do not place unnecessary burdens on companies and trading partners,” Roswall told reporters.

The Swedish Commissioner added that a “simplification review” is expected in the coming days, aimed at implementing the bloc’s anti-deforestation law in the most efficient way.

“The package incorporates simplifications agreed and adopted at the end of December by the co-legislators to revise the EUDR, giving all affected businesses — including those based in the US — more time to comply,” Roswall added.

Andrew Puzder argued that US producers do not contribute to deforestation and should not face costly geolocation requirements that increase costs without delivering environmental benefits.

“We are hopeful that the EU will address the very serious and legitimate concerns of US producers and exporters,” Puzder wrote on X.

Spokesperson Anna-Kaia Itkonen told reporters on Monday that the Commission will not open the anti-deforestation law, yet changes to its scope and the IT system will be made and added to the current legislative text.