Retailers urge new UK government to act swiftly to align with EU Deforestation Regulations

25 July 2024

The Retail Soy Group (RSG), an independent group of food retailers working to make sustainable soy the market norm, has today called on the new UK government to act with urgency to introduce due diligence measures for commodities driving deforestation. The previous government did not deliver the promised Forest Risk Commodities (UKFRC) secondary legislation, despite it being a keystone of the Environment Act 2021.

Today, the RSG, which is represented by 3Keel Director, Will Schreiber, has sent a letter to The Rt Hon Steve Reed MP, Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. The retailers explain that with less than six months until the EU Deforestation Regulations come into force, if the UK doesn’t catch up and introduce this vital secondary legislation in a manner that credibly eliminates deforestation from the UK food system, the ability to export UK-made products to Europe is at risk.

In the letter, they explain that “Last year, the European Union became the first region in the world to provide the legislative clarity through the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) that businesses are legally responsible for exercising deforestation due diligence on their supply chains by 30
December 2024. Retailers have been supportive of this legislation and have continually
called for pragmatic steps that can level the playing field to deliver on our shared ambition
for a deforestation-free food system.”

The need for urgency is spelled out clearly, with the retailers telling Mr Reed that “While the UK’s legislation does not mirror the EU’s in its entirety, the continued delay and absence of the UKFRC is contributing to further market confusion and is hindering retailer efforts to deliver on our shared commitment to eliminate deforestation and land conversion. Further inaction puts the UK at risk of becoming a dumping ground for deforestation-connected commodities.”

The RSG has set out five recommendations for the Government:

  1. Introduce and adopt the Forest Risk Commodities legislation within the first hundred days in office.
  2. Provide clarity on whether only the UKFRC applies in Northern Ireland or whether both legislations will operate within NI and if so, set out a clear way forward where, for instance, evidence for the EUDR can be used for the UKFRC. The resulting approach should be clear on the business requirements needed to establish and Communicate.
  3. Promote frictionless trade between the United Kingdom and key trading partners, for example, by explicitly recognising the role of the EUDR as providing sufficient due diligence under the UKFRC legislation, and excluding the possibility of mass balance accounting systems in the UK where more granular traceability systems are commercially available to ensure British products are considered deforestation free in the EU.
  4. Publish clear scenario-based guidance on the areas outlined to ensure consistent and effective implementation of regulations.
  5. Work with retailers to highlight the areas where further clarity will accelerate supply chain transformation.

Read the full letter and briefing document on the Retail Soy Group’s website