Leading European feed and livestock organizations urge the European Commission to introduce a ‘stop-the-clock’ mechanism for the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), citing legal uncertainty and unrealistic compliance timelines that threaten downstream operators and integrated supply chains.

A coalition of European industry associations—including FEFAC, COCERAL, and other feed, forestry, and timber organizations—warn that the latest EUDR amendments and the approaching 30 December 2025 implementation deadline create “costly uncertainty and unrealistic timelines” for companies across the value chain. Stakeholders stress that most firms, especially smaller operators, will struggle to adapt IT systems, traceability processes, and reference numbers in time, risking compliance failures and operational disruption.

The signatories highlight that the proposal does not reflect market realities, where medium and large companies routinely interact with small and micro-enterprises. A staggered compliance approach for different operator sizes is “illusory,” as smaller businesses will need to align immediately to maintain commercial relationships. Legal clarity and predictability are deemed essential for sound business operations, competitiveness, and investment in the sector.

Industry leaders therefore call on the European Commission to introduce a “stop-the-clock” mechanism, allowing policymakers to fully assess the regulation’s impact, identify simplification measures, and ensure obligations are workable while preserving the environmental goal of combating deforestation, strongly supported by the signatories.