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ARTICLE · 04 AUGUST 2026

The UK Forest Risk Commodity Regulation: Wood They Or Wouldn't They?

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The UK is developing its Forest Risk Commodity regulation to combat deforestation-driven climate change, but implementation has been delayed for years with significant policy shifts announced in 2026. How will the UK's approach compare to the EU's stringent Deforestation-Free Products Regulation, and what compliance challenges will businesses face as both regimes take shape?

United KingdomEnvironment
Tim Baines
Tim Baines
Michael Hutchinson
Michael Hutchinson
Nikolay Mizulin
Nikolay Mizulin
Irina Antoshevska
Irina Antoshevska
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Introduction

Deforestation is now the second leading cause of climate change globally, after burning fossil fuels, and is responsible for around 11% of all greenhouse gas emissions. In the last 60 years more than half of tropical forests worldwide have been destroyed, reducing biodiversity and endangering rare species.1

Commodities such as cattle and palm oil (used in frying fats, chocolate and cosmetics) have been identified as some of the key drivers of deforestation. From December 2026 (June 2027 for micro and small undertakings established as such by December 2024), the EU Regulation on Deforestation-Free Products ("EUDR") prohibits the placing on the market or making available in the European Union, or exporting certain commodities and products unless they are deforestation-free and produced in compliance with legislation in the country of production. Stringent due diligence and reporting requirements are imposed on in-scope companies.

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