The British Meat Processors Association (BMPA) has welcomed the news that that EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) will apply to cattle and beef products from Northern Ireland, saying it provides “much-needed” certainty for businesses.
Government has today (23rd June) stated its intention to “strengthen” its approach to tackling deforestation across the UK. The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) has announced that the EU Regulation on Deforestation-free Products will apply in Northern Ireland from the end of 2026. It said that its aim is for a “consistent regulatory environment” across the UK internal market and confirmed there will be a consultation on the substance of the proposed Great Britain deforestation policy.
Requirements under the regulations will apply to commodities including beef and cattle, and Government stated: “The aim is that the information GB businesses must hold will be broadly the same as what is needed for a due diligence statement when exporting to the EU or moving goods to Northern Ireland under the EUDR.” It is expected that legislation to implement this regime in Great Britain should be delivered in 2027.
Defra announcement provides clarity for meat businesses
The BMPA has welcomed the announcement from Defra confirming that the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) will apply to relevant cattle and beef products produced and traded in Northern Ireland.
It stated that the announcement provides “much-needed certainty” for processors, livestock producers and exporters operating across both UK and EU markets, which it said follow months of uncertainty over how the regulation would apply under Northern Ireland’s unique trading arrangements.
Lucas Daglish, sustainability manager at BMPA, commented: “Today’s announcement provides important clarity for businesses operating across integrated UK and EU livestock and meat supply chains. The Government’s intention to ensure that information required under UK deforestation regulations broadly mirrors EUDR due diligence requirements where possible is particularly welcome, as it should help minimise duplication and reduce administrative burdens for businesses trading in both markets.”
“Detailed guidance will be essential to allow processors, producers and exporters sufficient time to adapt.”
Lucas Daglish, BMPA
He continued: “However, significant questions remain about how the regulation will operate in practice, particularly regarding movements of cattle and beef between Great Britain, Northern Ireland and Ireland. Detailed guidance will be essential to allow processors, producers and exporters sufficient time to adapt their systems, contracts and supply chains ahead of implementation.”
In a statement, BMPA said that it supports measures that promote sustainable and deforestation-free supply chains but stressed that “implementation must recognise the strength of existing UK cattle traceability systems”, adding that it should avoid creating unnecessary barriers to trade within the United Kingdom and ensure that British livestock producers and meat processors remain internationally competitive.
BMPA said that while today’s announcement provides a clearer direction of travel, it is too early to fully assess the operational, commercial and trade implications for the sector until further implementation details are published.
