Balkans | The European Union bans products that cause deforestation

Products such as palm oil, beef, wood, coffee, cocoa, rubber, soybeans, chocolate, furniture and paper must be produced without harming forests.

The European Parliament (EP) approved the law banning the import of various products such as soybeans, beef, palm oil, wood, cocoa and coffee produced by the harmful forests of the EU countries.

At the session of the European Parliament’s General Assembly held in Strasbourg, the law prepared to prevent worldwide deforestation, combat climate change and prevent biodiversity loss was accepted by 552 votes.

By law, products sold on EU markets must not cause deforestation worldwide. Companies will be able to sell products that do not cause deforestation and forest degradation on the EU market.

In particular, products such as palm oil, beef, wood, coffee, cocoa, rubber and soybeans, as well as chocolate, furniture, paper and leather will not contribute to deforestation.

A duty of care will be required for those who supply the respective products to the EU market.

Only products produced on lands not subject to deforestation or deforestation are allowed access to EU markets after December 31, 2020.

The European Union will classify countries that produce these products as low, normal and high risk.

The risk category will determine the level of commitments in the audits to be performed. Companies that do not comply with the set rules can be fined up to 4 percent of their annual turnover in the EU country.

The aforementioned regulation will enter into force through its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union after the official approval of the European Union countries.

AA