EPCH Welcomes EU’s One-Year EUDR Delay, Giving Indian Wooden Handicraft Exporters Crucial Relief

New Delhi – 03rd December, 2025 – The Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH) welcomes European Parliament’s approval of a one-year postponement of the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), along with targeted simplification measures providing critical relief to Indian wooden handicraft exporters. As per the approval in the EU Parliament, large operators and traders would apply EUDR obligations from 30 December 2026, while micro and small enterprises would comply from 30 June 2027.

Welcoming the decision, Dr. Neeraj Khanna, Chairman – EPCH said “postponement of EUDR linked to IT readiness and simplification measure is a decisive step. Our priority now is to turn time into preparedness with clear templates, worked examples and test runs so wooden handicrafts exporters can file with confidence. This extension directly benefits large number handicraft exporter and artisans, many of whom export exclusively wood-based handicrafts like furniture, carvings and decorative items which were covered under EUDR commodities. With proportionate, uniform guidance and a stable EU portal, India’s handicraft exporters can meet EUDR goals while buyers experience continuity and reliability in sourcing” Dr. Khanna added further.

Dr. Rakesh Kumar, Director General in the role of Chief Mentor-EPCH & Chairman-IEML shared that “This additional window should be used to build real and clear pathways for compliance. The information also states that simplified due diligence places primary responsibility on first-market introducers, with micro/small primary operators submitting one-off declarations, reducing administrative burdens for downstream traders and enabling focus on sustainable sourcing certifications”. Dr. Kumar further added “As EUDR being postponed, now our focus should be to prioritise traceability toolkits, documentation checklists, training on geolocation and chain-of-custody that are practical and easily acceptable for small units”.

Mr. R. K. Verma, Executive Director-EPCH informed that as the European Union has postponed this anti-deforestation law for a year in response to growing concerns from trading partners, the delay in the implementation of the EUDR for the Indian wooden handicrafts sector is a positive step towards balancing environmental objectives with the need to protect livelihoods. He further said “EPCH is actively working with the concerned Ministries and relevant departments to develop a practical solution that will equip exporters with effective tools to address the geolocation traceability challenges arising from compliance with the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). We are expanding VRIKSH – Timber Legality Assessment & Verification Scheme scope aligned to EUDR compliances, and we’ll coordinate with exporters and EU counterparts to rehearse submissions against the upgraded system”.