EUDR: our hearing in the Chamber of Deputies for ImplementationHEARING ABOUT DDL 1258, 26TH MARCH 2025
- 27 March 2025
- Posted by: Competere
- Categories: highlights, News, Sustainable Oils & Fats
On March 26, we participated in a hearing before the XIV Committee on EU Policies of the Chamber of Deputies to discuss the implementation of the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) in Italy. With the regulation set to take effect on December 30, 2025, it is essential that Italy accelerates the adoption and testing of the regulation, ensuring that Italian businesses benefit from competitive conditions that are on par with other European countries.
WHY ACT NOW?
To protect the competitiveness of national industries, Italy must promptly adopt the EUDR, conduct practical tests, and engage all relevant sectors. Delaying its adoption risks putting Italian companies at a disadvantage compared to other European nations that have already been working proactively on effective implementation for months. In the Netherlands, both businesses and institutions have been collaborating for months to transform the EUDR into an opportunity for industrial growth and innovation.
We have consistently emphasized the challenges posed by the top-down approach imposed by the European Commission, which applied a “one-size-fits-all” model to sectors that are very different from one another, without sufficient involvement of the producing countries. This lack of dialogue is not only a technical issue but also a strategic geopolitical concern. In an increasingly unstable global environment, Europe cannot afford to risk jeopardizing vital trade relations that are crucial for food security and economic independence. However, the time for criticism has passed: now is the time to act and turn the EUDR into a competitive advantage.
OUR PROPOSALS
To ensure effective and pragmatic implementation of the EUDR, we have put forward three key proposals:
- Establish sector-specific working groups coordinated by the competent authorities, including businesses, industry associations, NGOs, and representatives of producing countries, to ensure that the application of the regulation is clear, realistic, and adapted to the specificities of each sector.
- Ensure that the competent authorities collaborate closely with all supply chain stakeholders, conducting practical tests aimed at ensuring smooth and effective implementation.
- Strengthen partnerships with producing countries to facilitate compliance and position Italy as a preferred trade hub for sustainable imports.
LESSONS FROM THE PALM OIL SECTOR
The palm oil sector offers a valuable example of how strict sustainability regulations can lead to significant improvements. Years of boycotts and media attention have pushed producing countries to adopt some of the highest sustainability standards. Today, over 95% of the palm oil entering Italy is deforestation-free, thanks to the strict policies in countries like Indonesia. However, misleading “palm oil-free” labels continue to misinform consumers, contradicting the EU Directive on Green Claims, which mandates transparency and scientific accuracy.
FROM REGULATION TO IMPLEMENTATION
A proactive approach, including structured dialogue, the involvement of all stakeholders, and the establishment of dedicated technical working groups, is essential to ensuring the successful implementation of the regulation. Italy must act urgently, moving from the regulatory phase to the implementation phase before it’s too late.