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EUDR postponed and simplified: What does this mean for Europe’s printing industry?

Following months of uncertainty and intense debate, a crucial decision has been made: the European Parliament and EU member states have reached a provisional political agreement in the negotiations on the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR).

The result is a package that significantly eases the burden on Europe’s printing industry and provides the planning certainty companies have urgently needed.

The agreement includes a one-year postponement of the regulation’s start date, reduced complexity in compliance requirements, and, crucially, the exemption of certain printed products likely the entire HS code 49 (customs tariff number).

The political direction is now clear and gives companies the confidence to begin preparing.

But what does this development mean for European print businesses, their supply chains, and their competitive position?

A delay in law, not responsibility

The EUDR regulation requires companies to ensure that seven major commodities - cattle, cocoa, coffee, palm oil, soy, rubber, and timber - and a wide range of derived products are deforestation-free, legally produced, and fully traceable through geolocation points.

At the centre of EUDR compliance is a due diligence system that includes data collection, risk assessment, and risk mitigation. Operators must submit detailed EUDR due diligence statements through a centralized EU information system, enabling traceability of compliance information and risk management for the supply chain and regulatory authorities.

The original EUDR text posed enormous practical challenges for printers. The requirement to document geolocation data for raw materials back to forest plot level was simply unworkable for most companies, particularly SMEs.

The positive outcome achieved to date follows persistent industry advocacy at national and EU level and a close cooperation between print associations, policymakers, and supply-chain partners. Pivotal too, were concrete examples from printers showing the disproportionate impact of the original draft.

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The key elements of the agreement now are:

  • One-year postponement of EUDR obligations – This gives businesses breathing room to review supply chains, clarify roles, and prepare systems.
  • Exemption of printed products (HS code 49) - According to the current assessment, printed products such as books, newspapers, magazines, brochures, and other items under HS Code 49 will be fully exempted. The final legal text is still pending, but the political intent appears strong.
  • Relief for the downstream supply chain - Printers purchasing paper within the EU will not need to submit due diligence declarations. Instead, the first downstream company will simply collect and store the reference numbers of upstream due diligence submissions.
  • Simplified requirements for small initial distributors -Forest owners and other small entities placing raw materials on the market for the first time will be able to use simplified due diligence, reducing administrative strain.
  • Revision clause - The Commission will review by April 30, 2026 whether further simplifications are possible.

It is important to note that paper and packaging (HS Code 48) currently remain inside the scope of the EUDR.

What this means for European printers

The benefits of this agreement extend far beyond regulatory relief.  If printed products had remained in scope, printers would have faced higher administrative costs than competitors outside the EU - particularly in Asia.

The new rules make it clear that printers buying EU paper don’t need to make a due diligence submission, the first downstream company only needs to store reference numbers and small initial distributors face a simplified process. This will help companies plan investments, contracts, and workflows.

Europe already has some of the world’s strongest forestry and paper certification systems (FSC, PEFC) and the EUDR simplification acknowledges that existing certification systems provide a strong foundation and the burden should not fall disproportionately on highly regulated sectors. At a time when the print sector is navigating rising energy prices, volatile paper markets, digital competition, and ongoing skill shortages, removing the burden compliance gives companies room to focus on other business improvements measures.

What’s next?

Even with many obligations lifted, some proactive action could include:

  1. Verify your HS codes - Check whether all printed products fall under HS Code 49 and qualify for exemption.
  2. Clarify your supply chain role Determine whether you are a “first downstream company”, an initial distributor of paper, or a standard buyer with minimal obligations.
  3. Talk to your paper suppliers Clarify who is the initial distributor?Where does the pulp originate?How will reference numbers be shared?
  4. Inform your customers Proactively inform publishers, agencies, brand owners and public sector customers. Clear messaging about exemptions and timelines helps strengthen trust and positions printers as reliable advisors.

This agreement gives European printers more breathing space to better plan for the future.

Looking to see which next steps could help you be fully prepared and keep your customers informed?

Talk to Konica Minolta.

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