Indonesia questions EU on deforestation rules at WTO

Indonesia has called on the European Union to clarify the numerous questions that remain around EUDR implementation at the World Trade Organization (WTO).
At the recent Agriculture Committee meeting, the Indonesian government laid out key questions on the EUDR with support from numerous other countries, including the US and India.
The key concerns underlined by Indonesia are the lack of information on implementation, potential discrepancies in deforestation data, and the methodology used for the “country benchmarking” process.
Critically, Indonesia has also asked the European Union to step up its support for smallholders and international cooperation efforts as the EUDR deadline approaches.
Part of the full statement read: “Indeed, Indonesia remains concerned that that EU has not provided enough information for the implementation of this policy, and thus leaving producing countries with very short adaption and preparation period.
In addition, the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Paraguay and Argentina asked another series of questions on a possible delay to implementation.
In response, the EU Commission representatives have they will not delay any implementation. However, any decision on a delay will likely happen in the next few weeks, following the confirmation hearings of the new Commissioners in November.