WASHINGTON (News release) - The American Forest & Paper Association President and CEO Heidi Brock released the following statement regarding the European Union's Commission decision to extend the EU Deforestation Regulation implementation deadline to December 2025.

"We appreciate the EU Commission for being responsive to U.S. government officials and the numerous partners across the globe who have voiced concerns about the complex requirements and significant technical barriers of EUDR. Today's additional guidance and extension of the implementation deadline provides industries like ours with more time to engage on workable solutions that avoid trade disruptions.

"AF&PA fully supports the EUDR goal of deforestation-free supply chains. The U.S. pulp and paper industry is not linked to global deforestation and forest degradation. We believe in balanced and achievable regulations, and are a strong proponent of international efforts to address deforestation and forest degradation. As such we welcome the Commission's commitment to a stronger cooperation framework. We look forward to the opportunity for continued dialogue with EU regulators and other stakeholders to refine and improve the EUDR's overall effectiveness."