EU states push to ease anti-deforestation law Eighteen countries call for delays and simpler rules7 July 2025 7 July 2025 2 minute read 2 minute read By: By: Global Ag MediaMost European Union countries have demanded further changes to the bloc's anti-deforestation law, saying some of its producers cannot be expected to meet its terms and face a competitive disadvantage, a letter seen by Reuters showed. From December, the deforestation law, a world first, will require operators placing goods including soy, beef and palm oil, onto the EU market to provide proof their products did not cause deforestation. Brussels has already delayed its launch by a year and cut back reporting rules following criticism from trading partners, including the United States, as well as from EU countries. The deforestation law also applies to EU exports, prompting the 18 countries to voice concern that European producers would relocate abroad to avoid the additional cost of complying with the rules. The EU policy aims to end the 10% of global deforestation linked to EU consumption of imported goods.