Cotance requests suspension for amendment of EUDR

Cotance joins 19 European industries in calling on the EU Commission to introduce a ‘stop-the-clock’ mechanism to allow for a proper assessment of the impact and implementation of the EUDR and to carry out an impact assessment on the scope of the law under Article 34. It also calls for working with stakeholders to develop realistic and workable compliance mechanisms that meet environmental objectives without damaging European industrial competitiveness. After initially announcing a postponement to September 2025, the European Commission is now proposing to make the new EUDR fully applicable within just two months, a reversal that risks undermining confidence in the EU regulatory process.

Stakeholders’ concerns range from the proposed timeframe, which creates considerable uncertainty for European operators: from large industries, which will not be able to readjust their IT systems again, to small and micro operators, which will face an even greater administrative burden to independently manage the data load resulting from the amount of due diligence statement (DDS) reference numbers accumulating along the value chain. Cotance reiterates that hides and skins were included in the scope of the EUDR without a proper impact assessment. Gustavo Gonzalez-Quijano, Secretary General of Cotance, said: “The European tanning industry fully supports the fight against deforestation. However, sustainability cannot be achieved through regulations that ignore the reality on the ground. We therefore call on the Commission to step back, listen to the evidence and ensure that the implementation of the EUDR is based on facts, not assumptions. The time has come to stop the clock and draw up this regulation properly.” Cotance reaffirms its commitment to sustainability, transparency and responsible supply chains. Nevertheless, regulation that is not evidence-based, not workable and not fair is not good for the environment or the European economy.