SFPA Joins U.S. Forest Products Industry in Support of EUDR Simplification

As the European Commission prepares a further postponement of its Deforestation-free Regulation (EUDR), proposals to simplify the law are abundant in Brussels.

The undersigned organizations, representing the U.S. forestry and forest products sector value chain, urge the Commission to avoid a rushed process and take the time necessary to pursue simplification with great care.

An additional year provides a valuable opportunity for the Commission to engage in productive dialogue with forest owners and operators in highly forested, low-risk countries like the U.S. to understand implementation challenges and reduce unintended consequences.

“Simplifying a law as significant as the EUDR requires thoughtful and purposeful review,” said Eric Gee, executive director of the Southern Forest Products Association (SFPA). “A measured approach will help ensure that any changes both strengthen the law’s effectiveness and uphold fairness for producers in low-risk, sustainably managed regions like the Southeastern United States.”

The EUDR is a landmark law with global implications. Simplifying a law of this scale requires focused, deliberate action to reduce compliance burdens while maintaining the law’s rigor and focus on combating global deforestation.

We encourage the Commission to take a careful approach to simplification, which can ultimately strengthen the law and ensure effective and equitable implementation across all affected commodities and geographies.

The U.S. forestry and forest products sector remains committed to sustainable forest management and deforestation-free forest products. Our business models depend on it.

We welcome continued collaboration with EU institutions to ensure that the EUDR is effective, enforceable, and fair.

• American Forest & Paper Association
• American Hardwood Export Council
• Forest Resources Association
• Hardwood Federation
• National Alliance of Forest Owners
• Southern Forest Products Association
• Treated Wood Council
• U.S. Industrial Pellet Association

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