Government to stamp illegal deforestation out of UK supply chains

The UK government has announced plans to introduce mandatory due diligence requirements for commodities such as soy, palm oil, cattle, cocoa, timber, coffee and rubber sold in Great Britain. These measures aim to ensure that supply chains do not contribute to illegal deforestation overseas, addressing concerns about environmental damage linked to imported goods. The proposals follow calls from retailers and consumers for stronger regulatory oversight to verify the sustainability of products available in the UK market.

The announcement coincides with a Leaders’ Summit Event on Forests at the COP31 climate conference in Antalya, where senior politicians are discussing global forest protection efforts. The government highlights that in 2023, UK consumption of deforestation-linked goods was associated with approximately 29,000 hectares of deforestation worldwide and 9.4 million tonnes of carbon emissions, underscoring the environmental impact of supply chains.

The consultation launched today seeks input from businesses, environmental groups and international stakeholders to shape the proposed regime. It includes plans to strengthen the UK Timber Regulation and introduce mandatory due diligence obligations under existing powers, such as those in the Environment Act 2021. The government emphasises the need to align the Great Britain regime with Northern Ireland’s arrangements to avoid unnecessary burdens on trade.

The proposals also acknowledge Northern Ireland’s unique position within both the UK Internal Market and the EU Single Market. The EU Regulation on Deforestation-Free Products (EUDR) will apply in Northern Ireland in phases from 30 December 2026, with businesses encouraged to prepare their supply chains in advance. Over time, the government aims to establish a deforestation-free standard, building on international efforts to eliminate forest loss from global supply chains.