The European Tyre & Rubber Manufacturers’ Association (ETRMA) has criticised a proposed one-year postponement of the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), arguing that a delay without simplification will not work. The association wants due diligence to sit with the initial marketer, covering a product for its full commercial life.
ETRMA supports a structural change so that the first EU marketer files EUDR due diligence and that declaration remains valid downstream. The trade body says this would reduce duplicate checks for distributors and retailers, and ease pressure on the EU’s new IT platform that underpins due diligence statements.
Adam McCarthy, Secretary General, ETRMA, said: “The European tyre and rubber industry, together with millions of natural rubber producers, is upstream-ready. A further delay risks prolonging uncertainty for operators who have prepared in good faith and are looking forward to demonstrating their commitment. The objective of halting deforestation is right and urgent. But endless transition periods without simplification will not deliver results. ETRMA calls on EU institutions to ensure that, if more time is granted, it is used to fix the regulation, not to stall it.”
The European Commission has proposed pushing key EUDR application dates by 12 months, pointing to capacity constraints in the EUDR information system. Reporting suggests the shift would move obligations for large operators to late 2026, with smaller firms following later. Industry groups worry the extra time could be wasted unless rules are streamlined.
The Commission’s draft communication links the delay to ensuring the IT system can handle due diligence volumes across all covered commodities and actors. ETRMA argues targeted simplification would both lower administrative burden and help that system function as intended.
Several tyre manufacturers are investing in traceable, responsibly sourced natural rubber, aligning with EUDR objectives. Recent initiatives include smallholder training and traceability partnerships in Southeast Asia that are designed to support due diligence and reduce deforestation risk.
ETRMA urges EU to back bio-based rubber in the Bioeconomy Strategy for wider policy asks on sustainable materials.
ESG-led tyre design and factory innovation at Nokian Tyres for how factories and sourcing are adapting to regulatory expectations.
ETRMA calls for simplified rules to support industry sustainability outlines the association’s broader simplification agenda.
ETRMA statement on the proposed postponement and simplification request.
Tagged with: EUDR postponement, EU Deforestation Regulation, ETRMA, natural rubber traceability, due diligence, tyre manufacturers, sustainability compliance, downstream operators, EU regulation, supply chain
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