EU tightens market entry: deforestation-free due diligence for key commodities

The EU is imposing stricter market entry requirements, obligating economic entities and traders to prove that beef, cocoa, coffee, palm, oilseeds, soy, rubber, and timber are deforestation-free, via a due diligence statement. This is a regulatory tightening of the EU Deforestation Regulation, likely raising compliance costs and affecting supply chains. The measure signals a firm EU stance on environmental trade barriers, with potential trade friction with producer countries.