Inside the April 2026 EUDR Review: Targeted Changes, Same Obligations

The EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) has now been formally delayed, with implementation scheduled for December 2026 rather than 2025. Alongside this delay, the European Commission has announced an April 2026 review, framed around the idea of reflecting and potentially simplifying certain aspects of the regulation.

For businesses already deep into EUDR preparation, this combination of delay and simplification may sound like a potential easing of pressure. In reality, the scope of change is far more limited — and understanding that nuance is critical.

A Delay, Not a Reset

The shift to 2026 gives businesses extra time to prepare, but it does not signal a rethink of the regulation. The EUDR’s core objective — keeping products linked to deforestation out of the EU — remains firmly in place. The April 2026 review is a technical checkpoint, intended to improve clarity and usability, not an opportunity for wholesale change.

In short, the April review clarifies the rules but does not reduce them. Businesses must still assess product classification, function, and supply chain position to determine their responsibilities under EUDR.

Setting the Right Expectations

One of the biggest risks for operators is assuming the April 2026 review will materially reduce compliance obligations.

It won’t.

The review is not a free pass for operators or traders to pause implementation efforts, and it should not be treated as a reason to “wait and see.” The European Commission has been explicit that simplification is about improving how the regulation works in practice — not about lowering the bar.

What’s Really Changing

In practical terms, the proposed simplifications are targeted, not universal. The focus is primarily on small and micro operators, who, it is argued, face proportionately higher administrative burdens, and on improving the functionality and efficiency of the TRACES system, which underpins EUDR reporting and due diligence submissions.

There may also be delegated acts and additional technical guidance designed to clarify existing requirements. However, for large operators and traders, expectations should remain grounded: there is no indication of major changes to due diligence obligations, risk assessment requirements, or supply chain traceability standards.

Why the Scope Is So Narrow

The limited nature of the April review is not accidental. To date, the European Commission has shown clear reluctance to go beyond its current proposals. There is no appetite for reopening debates around product scope, implementation timelines, or the complexity of global supply chains.

In this context, “simplification” should be understood as technical refinement, not deregulation. The obligations themselves are not being rolled back — they are being clarified and, in some cases, made more operationally workable.

The Bottom Line for Businesses

April 2026 does not mark a turning point for EUDR compliance. While small and micro operators may see additional support, and all operators should benefit from a more robust TRACES system and clearer guidance, the fundamental requirements remain unchanged.

There should be no expectation of reduced compliance for large operators, no product scope rollbacks, no easing of risk assessment criteria, and no further delays to implementation timelines.

The additional time should be used to strengthen due diligence processes, resolve data gaps, and ensure supply chains are mapped and defensible — not to slow down.

What Should You Do Next?

The EUDR delay offers breathing room, but compliance efforts must continue. Understanding how clarified guidance, system updates, and product-specific nuances apply to your business is now more important than ever.

If you’d like to discuss how the April 2026 EUDR review impacts your organisation, or how to prepare confidently for implementation, get in touch. Our team can help you navigate the details, cut through the noise, and build a compliance approach that stands up to scrutiny.

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