Companies and civil society organisations oppose any calls to reopen the substance of the EU Deforestation Regulation, urges immediate release of guidance documents and FAQ
The undersigned companies and civil society organisations in the cocoa and chocolate sector have consistently supported the introduction of the EUDR.
It is deeply disappointing that at the meeting of the Commission’s Multi-Stakeholder Platform on Protecting and Restoring the World’s Forests on 24 September, the Commission was unable to share or even announce the publication of the guidance and updated FAQ document that have been in preparation for months. This is jeopardising companies’ ability to implement the EUDR.
However, we strongly oppose the calls by some to reopen the substance of the EUDR for new negotiations. This would only serve to increase uncertainty and jeopardise the significant investments our member companies have made in preparing for its application.
We call for the publication of the guidance and FAQ documents without further delay as a matter of urgency. We also call on the Commission, member states and the corporate sector to provide appropriate support for the implementation of the EUDR for smallholder farmers and their organisations so that the costs of compliance are not passed to them and they are not excluded from the EU market due to a lack of resources.
Companies: Ferrero, Mars Wrigley, Mondelēz International, Nestlé, Tony’s Chocolonely
Civil society and other organisations: Fairtrade International, Fair Trade Advocacy Office, International Cocoa Initiative, Rainforest Alliance, Solidaridad, VOICE Network