On 23 June 2026, the UK government announced that it will strengthen its approach to tackling global deforestation by moving from a voluntary to a mandatory due diligence system for commodities and products that may be derived from deforestation.
What are the purposes of the proposal?
The specific purpose of the UK’s strengthening of due diligence is to ensure that “forest-risk” commodities and products derived from them are produced in compliance with local legislation in the supply chain.
The general purposes are (1) to minimise the UK’s impact on global deforestation and forest degradation – predominantly from agricultural expansion – that results in the destruction of millions of trees, (2) to reduce the UK’s contribution to greenhouse gas emissions as a consequence of the deforestation, and (3) to assist in halting the global loss of biodiversity.
Which businesses and commodities are affected?
The UK’s proposal is expected to apply to businesses in Great Britain that have an annual turnover of over £1m and which use specified forest-risk commodities – cattle, cocoa, coffee, palm oil, rubber, soy, and wood – and products derived from them including chocolate, furniture, and palm oil derivatives including personal care products.
Written by Stevens & Bolton
