As the European Union prepares to implement the new European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) in just three months, Swedish industry leaders are voicing significant concerns. Sweden, a major exporter of timber, pulp, and paper products—worth over $18 billion annually, with 66% heading to the EU—believes the EU is unprepared for the upcoming regulations.
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Erik Haara, CEO of the Swedish Federation of Wood and Furniture Industry, and Viveka Beckeman, CEO of the Swedish Forest Industries Federation, have urged the Swedish government to advocate for a postponement of the EUDR. They argue that the incomplete legal framework poses a threat to over 60,000 Swedish businesses, stating that the regulations address broader issues than just deforestation.
With 80% of Sweden's forest products exported globally and significant reliance on these exports, the urgency for clarity is critical. The traceability system required for compliance won't be ready until November, just before the EUDR takes effect, while Swedish legal adaptations won't be finalized until mid-February 2025.
Haara and Beckeman warn that rushing the implementation could undermine trust in the regulations and impose a severe administrative burden on the forest industry. They call for a careful reevaluation of the EUDR to ensure its practical feasibility, emphasizing the importance of doing it right to avoid long-term repercussions in Europe's climate initiatives.
Source: www.woodcentral.com.au