UK Plans Deforestation Rules That “Operate Consistently” With EUDR

On June 23, the UK government announced plans for new rules intended to ensure that goods sold in the UK do not contribute to illegal deforestation, according to law firm Latham & Watkins (6-30-26).

The measures will apply in Great Britain, while businesses in Northern Ireland will remain subject to the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) to maintain access to the EU single market.

Since 2013, the UK Timber Regulations (UKTR) have set obligations for businesses trading in timber and timber-related products, including due diligence requirements intended to prevent the trade of illegally harvested timber. The UK government said the new measures are intended to strengthen the UKTR, though further details have not yet been released.

Under the proposed legislation, the measures will apply to seven core commodities—wood, cattle, cocoa, coffee, palm oil, rubber, and soy—and certain derived products. They will cover businesses in Great Britain with annual turnover above £1 million (US$1.34 million) that use or place these commodities on the market.

The UK government said it intends for the measures to “operate consistently” alongside the EUDR, so businesses hold broadly the same information required for due diligence statements when exporting to the EU. Legislation to implement the regime is expected in 2027, following a consultation process this year.