RismadarVoice Reporters
November 12, 2026
The United Kingdom government has proposed new regulations requiring businesses to verify that commodities entering British supply chains are not linked to illegal deforestation overseas.
The proposed measures cover products associated with palm oil, soy, cocoa, coffee, timber, rubber and cattle, including goods derived from these commodities.
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs announced the proposals on Wednesday, November 11, as part of efforts to reduce the environmental impact of products consumed in Great Britain.
Under the proposed framework, affected businesses would have to investigate their supply chains, identify potential risks of illegal forest clearance, and demonstrate compliance with relevant laws in producing countries.
The government is considering applying the requirements to businesses with annual turnover exceeding £1 million.
Companies covered by the regulations could also be required to collect information about the geographical origins of commodities and report on their compliance activities.
A public consultation opened on November 11 and will close on January 17, 2027.
The consultation will examine mandatory due diligence obligations under the Environment Act 2021 and possible improvements to existing timber regulations.
According to the government, British consumption of deforestation-linked commodities contributed to about 29,000 hectares of forest loss worldwide in 2023.
The affected area was estimated to be about one-and-a-half times the size of Manchester, with associated emissions reaching 9.4 million tonnes of carbon dioxide.
Environment Secretary Dame Angela Eagle said protecting forests was essential to addressing climate change, safeguarding biodiversity and supporting communities dependent on forest ecosystems.
She maintained that British consumers deserved greater assurance that everyday products were not contributing to illegal forest destruction abroad.
The proposals were announced during the COP31 climate conference in Antalya, Türkiye, where world leaders were discussing measures to protect forests and strengthen international environmental cooperation.
The government said the regulations would support its commitment to halting and reversing forest loss by 2030.
It also intends to align the proposed arrangements with relevant requirements in Northern Ireland, where the European Union’s deforestation regulation is scheduled to begin applying in phases from December 30, 2026.
The UK government encouraged businesses, environmental organisations and international stakeholders to participate in the consultation.
However, the proposed requirements have not yet taken effect in Great Britain. Their final scope and implementation arrangements will depend on the consultation and subsequent regulatory decisions.
