The European Union is not yet ready to introduce a new law aimed at stopping the import of goods connected with deforestation, according to an EU grain trade group.
Coming into effect at the end of December, the landmark legislation means that importers of coffee, cocoa, beef, soy, rubber, timber and palm oil will have to prove that their supply chains do not contribute to deforestation.
But on Tuesday, Iliana Axiotiades, the head of grain trade association Coceral, said that neither the European Commission nor the EU members in charge of bringing in the European Union Deforestation Regulation were ready.
He told delegates at a conference in London: “Even the information system, the IT the industry will need to feed (information into) is not ready.”
He added: “I believe a decision will be made to take into account the lack of preparation.”
The new law, which will also affect farmers, prompted 20 EU members in March to call on Brussels to possibly suspend the bill in the fear that it could harm farmers.
Those in remote regions may not be able to prove their lands are not on deforested land as they may be unable to provide geolocation co-ordinates.
But on Tuesday, Iliana Axiotiades, the head of grain trade association Coceral, said that neither the European Commission nor the EU members in charge of bringing in the European Union Deforestation Regulation were ready.
He told delegates at a conference in London: “Even the information system, the IT the industry will need to feed (information into) is not ready.”
He added: “I believe a decision will be made to take into account the lack of preparation.”
The new law, which will also affect farmers, prompted 20 EU members in March to call on Brussels to possibly suspend the bill in the fear that it could harm farmers.
Those in remote regions may not be able to prove their lands are not on deforested land as they may be unable to provide geolocation co-ordinates.
Source: Reuters
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