Published 20 July 2026
EUDR this week: European Commission updates product scope, excludes leather, and adds soluble coffee
The European Commission has updated the EUDR product scope, formally excluding leather while adding soluble coffee, alongside launching updates to its digital information system.
This week marked a major milestone for the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) as the European Commission formally updated the regulation's product scope and digital tools. While some commodities like leather received high-profile exclusions, other products such as soluble coffee were added to the scope. These updates have triggered a wave of reactions from global industries, environmental groups, and producer nations racing against the clock.
Scope Adjustments: Leather Out, Soluble Coffee In
The European Commission formally adopted a Delegated Act that excludes leather, soybean seeds, and medicines from the EUDR scope, according to reports by BusinessGreen and Linklaters. The exclusion of leather was confirmed by several industry sources, including Mongabay, Ecotextile News, World Footwear, and the International Leather Maker. This decision has drawn criticism from environmental advocates, with the-ethos.co reporting that the EU ignored its own research linking leather to deforestation. Additionally, Wood Central notes that despite the carve-out, Brazilian beef and leather still face a potential EU lockout.
While leather is out, other materials like rubber and man-made cellulosic fibers (MMCF) remain firmly in scope, as detailed by Fibre2Fashion. Concurrently, the Commission expanded the product list to include soluble coffee, a development reported by Daily Coffee News by Roast Magazine. This dual approach of narrowing some parts of the scope while expanding others has been highlighted by Food and Drink Technology and The Brussels Times.
Digital Tools and Implementation Frameworks
Alongside scope updates, the European Commission released its official July 2026 update, as published on the European Commission portal. Key administrative steps were taken, including the adoption of an Implementing Act on the Information System, which updates the digital tools and registry systems used to track commodity supply chains. This has been covered by Fordaq and New Food.
Industry Reactions and Compliance Costs
The latest updates have drawn mixed reactions across various sectors. The European Rubber Journal reports that the German Rubber Association (WDK) slammed the latest exemptions, viewing them as a threat to the European rubber industry (European Rubber Journal). In Germany, forest-owner groups have also criticized the draft national implementation law (Fordaq).
Broadly, food and beverage companies are facing steep hurdles. FoodNavigator.com asks whether environmental compliance is becoming "Big Food's biggest cost." Meanwhile, Confectionery Production highlights that while the Commission has finally delivered implementation details, industry concerns remain high, questioning if the regulation will deliver its intended impact after years of delays (Confectionery Production).
Producer Support and Supply Chain Readiness
Producer countries are actively adjusting to the requirements. In Vietnam, exporters are under tight deadlines to comply (Báo VietNamNet), though efforts are being made to place local coffee farmers at the heart of the country's EUDR strategy (vietnamnews.vn). To assist with compliance, the EU is taking supportive measures (De Molenaar).
Furthermore, new resources have emerged to address data gaps, such as new cocoa risk assessment guidance (New Food) and research supporting EUDR-compliant agroforestry models (Landscape Alliance).
What this means for small importers
- Check your coffee products: If you import soluble coffee, be aware that this product has been explicitly added to the EUDR scope, requiring immediate supply chain mapping.
- Confirm leather exclusions cautiously: While leather has been formally excluded, verify how this affects any composite products you import, and note that related materials like rubber and MMCF remain fully in scope.
- Prepare for digital registration: With the adoption of the Implementing Act on the Information System, importers should monitor the rollout of the EU's digital tools to ensure timely registration.
- Verify details with official sources: As national implementation laws and guidelines continue to develop, always consult official EU Commission publications and legal counsel to verify compliance requirements.
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