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Forests: Regulation

Asked by Vikki SladeLiberal DemocratDepartment for Environment, Food and Rural AffairsTabled Answered 29 June 2026UIN 12948

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether she plans to negotiate for alignment of deforestation regulations between the UK and the EU as part of the Sanitary and Phytosanitary Agreement.

Answered by Mary Creagh

This Government is strengthening its approach to tackling deforestation in UK supply chains. In Great Britain, Defra will consult on the department’s aim to introduce an approach which works with the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), including under the Environment Act 2021 and the existing UK Timber Regulation 2013. The EUDR will apply in Northern Ireland as part of arrangements which ensure Northern Island’s unique access to the EU Single Market is maintained. This action is not subject to negotiation with the European Union.

Defra is currently negotiating a Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Agreement; the regulations in scope can be found here.

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