"European consumers can now shop with peace of mind. When we enjoy chocolate or coffee, we are not unwittingly contributing to deforestation," said a member of parliament after the European Parliament voted to approve the new law on the 19th. The new law requires that imported goods potentially linked to deforestation must submit a "due diligence" report to verify that the product is not sourced from farmland cleared by forest fires and does not harm local human rights.
Global deforestation is a serious problem. To produce more cattle, cocoa, coffee, palm oil, and timber, vast tracts of forest are being cut down. EU consumption is responsible for 10% of global deforestation. However, the new law has sparked protests from countries like Malaysia and Brazil. While it still requires a vote by the member states before it can officially take effect, the parliament and the member states reached an agreement late last year, and it is expected to pass smoothly.
European Parliament demands due diligence report to prevent consumption from contributing to deforestation
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) estimates that over the past 30 years, approximately 420 million hectares of forest have been converted to agricultural land—an area larger than the European Union. EU consumption accounts for approximately 10% of global deforestation, with palm oil and soy consumption being the primary drivers, accounting for approximately two-thirds.
Products covered by the new law include cattle, cocoa, coffee, palm oil, soybeans, rubber, charcoal, timber, as well as leather, chocolate, furniture, printing paper, palm oil derivatives, etc. made from these products.
The EU doesn't ban imports of these products, but rather requires them to submit a due diligence report confirming they meet zero-deforestation standards. Products cannot come from land deforested after December 31, 2020, must not involve forest degradation, must comply with the laws of the country of production, and must not harm the human rights of local residents or indigenous peoples. Violations can result in fines of up to 4% of the operator's or trader's annual EU turnover.
After the vote, MEP Christophe Hansen said, "Many products linked to deforestation are on supermarket shelves, often purchased unknowingly. Now, European consumers can shop with peace of mind. When we enjoy chocolate or coffee, we won't be unwittingly contributing to deforestation."
The European Parliament passed the bill by a vote of 552 to 44, with 43 abstentions. The bill will now be finalized by a vote of the Council. However, an agreement on the content was reached by the two sides at the end of last year (2022), and its passage is expected to proceed smoothly.
Exporting countries protest against blocking market
The EU is the world's third-largest importer of palm oil. According to Reuters, Indonesia and Malaysia, the world's largest palm oil exporters, approved new laws that would block palm oil from entering the market, with Malaysia threatening to halt exports to the EU. Smallholder farmers also say they struggle to provide geolocation information to prove the origin of their products.
Brazil, a major producer of soybeans, coffee, and beef, could also be affected. The Brazilian Association of Agribusiness Associations (ABAG) said Brazil has its own deforestation laws, which allow some forests to be logged, and it will protest through diplomatic channels.
It is expected that after the new law comes into effect, large enterprises will have an 18-month buffer period, while small and medium-sized enterprises will have 24 months.
Source: Environmental Information Center (https://e-info.org.tw/node/236578)
