It said that as one of the major consumers of these commodities, the rules could help to prevent “a significant share” of global deforestation and forest degradation which are associated with increasing greenhouse gas emissions and biodiversity loss.
When the new rules enter into force, all relevant companies will have to conduct strict due diligence to sell in EU markets.
Palm oil, cattle, soy, coffee, cocoa, timber and rubber as well as derived products (such as beef, furniture, or chocolate) will all be included under the due diligence rules.
The products were chosen following an impact assessment identifying them as the main driver of deforestation due to agricultural expansion.
Once in place, operators and traders will have to prove that the products are both deforestation-free and legal.
Companies will also be required to collect precise geographical information on the farmland where the commodities that they source have been grown. Member states...