EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) Amendments bring relief to print and packaging sector

As per the amendment, the key exemptions and simplifications include, printed products exemption. This means, the most critical change is the official removal of printed products under HS/CN Chapter 49 from the scope of the EUDR. This update is expected to provide substantial relief to businesses, particularly those engaged in exports to Europe.

Also there is revised compliance deadlines. The implementation timeline has been extended, offering companies more time to adapt. As per the ruling, this means "30 December 2026 is the application date for medium and large operators; and 30 June 2027 is the application date for micro and small operators."

In addition, there is streamlined reporting because of which the administrative burden has been significantly reduced. Only the first operator placing a product on the EU market must submit a due diligence statement. All downstream operators merely need to retain the reference number.

There are benefits for small operators. This means, micro and small primary operators will benefit from a one-time simplified declaration process and are permitted to use postal addresses instead of geolocation coordinates for reporting.

The amendments are being hailed as a "big relief" for European exports from India and are seen as "good news for print and packaging industry exports."

The final formal steps — adoption by the Council and publication in the Official Journal — are anticipated later this week. Once published, these amendments will become legally binding. The European Commission is also scheduled to conduct a further simplification review by April 2026.