EU Delays Ban on Imports Linked to Deforestation for 2nd Time

Under EU’s law, imports of palm oil, coffee, and cocoa would not be allowed into the bloc unless firms proved they were deforestation-free.

A deforested area close to Sinop, Mato Grosso State, Brazil, on Aug. 7, 2020. Florian Plaucheur/AFP via Getty Images

The European Union has again delayed a ban on imports tied to deforestation, including soy, beef, cocoa, and palm oil.

Confirming the delay on Sept. 23, EU Environment Commissioner Jessika Roswall said the delay was needed to fix problems with the IT system that will track all products covered by the deforestation law, from producers to importers, both inside and outside the EU.