### 8. calls on the commission to phase out non-rechargeable batteries and to define an increasing share of recycled content in batteries; stresses the relevance of charging patterns for battery electric vehicles for the integration of the sector; ### 8. calls on the commission to phase out non-rechargeable batteries and to define an increasing share of recycled content in batteries , as well as longer life-cycles; stresses the relevance of charging patterns for battery electric vehicles for the integration of the sector;


### 8. calls for prevention measures to be stepped up in the fight against food loss and waste; ### 8. calls for prevention measures to be stepped up in the fight against food loss and waste; and stresses that food wastage has huge environmental consequences , contributes to climate change and represents a waste of limited resources such as land , energy and water; therefore , urges the commission via the farm to fork strategy to introduce swift proposals to implement the goal of halving food waste by 2030;


### 9. urges the use of bio-sourced and biodegradable materials in agricultural plastics; ### 9. urges the use of bio-sourced and biodegradable materials in agricultural plastics; underlines the need for clear labelling of plastics that are biodegradable and plastics that are merely bio-sourced and non-biodegradable; welcomes the intention to develop a policy framework for sourcing , labelling and use of bio-based plastics , and highlights that non-food crops , waste products and side streams of the agro-industry should be the main source for bio-plastics;


### 9. urges the use of bio-sourced and biodegradable materials in agricultural plastics; ### 9. supports the use of bio-sourced and biodegradable materials in agricultural plastics where possible;


### 11. calls on the commission to include the tourism sector in its ambitions for a circular economy; emphasises that tourism businesses should be encouraged to participate in the eu ecolabel and the eu eco-management and audit scheme (emas). ### 11. calls on the commission to include the tourism sector in its ambitions for a circular economy in order to advance in the innovation , sustainability and resilience of the sector; emphasises that tourism businesses should be encouraged to participate in the eu ecolabel and the eu eco-management and audit scheme (emas).


### 11. calls on the commission to include the tourism sector in its ambitions for a circular economy; emphasises that tourism businesses should be encouraged to participate in the eu ecolabel and the eu eco-management and audit scheme (emas). ### 11. calls on the commission to include the tourism sector in its ambitions for a circular economy; emphasises that tourism businesses should be encouraged , stimulated and incentivised to participate in the eu ecolabel and the eu eco-management and audit scheme (emas).


### — having regard to the commission communication of 11 march 2020 entitled ‘a new circular economy action plan: for a cleaner and more competitive europe’(com(2020)0098) , ### — having regard to the commission communication of 11 march 2020 entitled ‘a new circular economy action plan: for a cleaner and more competitive europe’(com(2020)0098) , and the staff working document ‘leading the way to a global circular economy: state of play and outlook’ (swd(2020)100) ,


### 1. insists that the commission urgently launches a multi-stakeholder consultation to identify key supply chain issues that directly cause or increase the risk of medicine shortages; calls on the commission to propose ambitious and concrete actions to address these issues in its planned pharmaceutical strategy; ### 1. insists that the commission urgently launches a multi-stakeholder consultation to identify key supply chain issues that directly cause or increase the risk of medicine shortages , and initiatives to mitigate risks to supply chains; calls on the commission to propose ambitious and concrete actions to address these issues in its planned pharmaceutical strategy;


### 1. insists that the commission urgently launches a multi-stakeholder consultation to identify key supply chain issues that directly cause or increase the risk of medicine shortages; calls on the commission to propose ambitious and concrete actions to address these issues in its planned pharmaceutical strategy; ### 1. insists that the commission urgently launches a multi-stakeholder consultation as well as market research in order to identify key supply chain issues that directly cause or increase the risk of medicine shortages; calls on the commission to propose ambitious and concrete actions to address these issues in its planned pharmaceutical strategy;


### 19. considers it essential to improve communication with healthcare professionals and patients on medicine availability through the use of innovative digital tools providing real-time data on the availability , location , quantity and price of a given medicine , in compliance with data protection legislation; ### 19. considers it essential to improve an early communication with healthcare professionals and patients on medicine availability through the use of innovative digital tools providing real-time data on the availability , location , quantity and price of a given medicine , in compliance with data protection legislation; recommends the inclusion of information for healthcare professionals on available alternatives;


### 19. considers it essential to improve communication with healthcare professionals and patients on medicine availability through the use of innovative digital tools providing real-time data on the availability , location , quantity and price of a given medicine , in compliance with data protection legislation; ### 19. considers it essential to improve early communication with healthcare professionals and patients on medicine availability through the use of innovative digital tools providing real-time data on the availability , location , quantity and price of a given medicine , in compliance with data protection legislation; recommends the inclusion of information for healthcare professionals on available alternative;


### 6. urges the commission and the member states to introduce tax and financial incentives in return for appropriate commitments and to authorise state aid to encourage producers to locate their operations in europe , from compound manufacturing to packaging and distribution; emphasises the strategic significance of this sector and the importance of investing in european companies , in the interests of resource diversification; ### 6. urges the commission and the member states to introduce tax and financial incentives in return for appropriate commitments and to authorise state aid to encourage producers to locate their operations in europe , from compound manufacturing to packaging and distribution; emphasises the strategic significance of this sector and the importance of investing in european companies in order to diversify resources and encourage the development of innovative production technologies capable of enhancing the responsiveness of production lines , in particular the continuous manufacturing process;


### 6. urges the commission and the member states to introduce tax and financial incentives in return for appropriate commitments and to authorise state aid to encourage producers to locate their operations in europe , from compound manufacturing to packaging and distribution; emphasises the strategic significance of this sector and the importance of investing in european companies , in the interests of resource diversification; ### 6. urges the commission and the member states to introduce incentives to support the diversification of supply in return for appropriate commitments and to authorise state aid to encourage producers to locate their operations in europe , from compound manufacturing to packaging and distribution; emphasises the strategic significance of this sector and the importance of investing in european companies , in the interests of resource diversification;


### 6. urges the commission and the member states to introduce tax and financial incentives in return for appropriate commitments and to authorise state aid to encourage producers to locate their operations in europe , from compound manufacturing to packaging and distribution; emphasises the strategic significance of this sector and the importance of investing in european companies , in the interests of resource diversification; ### 6. urges the commission and the member states to incentives supporting the diversification of supply in return for appropriate commitments and to authorise state aid to encourage producers to locate their operations in europe , from compound manufacturing to packaging and distribution; emphasises the strategic significance of this sector and the importance of investing in european companies , in the interests of resource diversification;


### 6. urges the commission and the member states to introduce tax and financial incentives in return for appropriate commitments and to authorise state aid to encourage producers to locate their operations in europe , from compound manufacturing to packaging and distribution; emphasises the strategic significance of this sector and the importance of investing in european companies , in the interests of resource diversification; ### 6. urges the commission and the member states to introduce , as a priority , tax and financial incentives in return for appropriate commitments and to authorise , on an exceptional and temporary basis , state aid to encourage producers to locate their operations in europe , from compound manufacturing to packaging and distribution; emphasises the strategic significance of this sector and the importance of investing in european companies , in the interests of resource diversification;


### 2. calls on the commission to consider proposing requirements for the pharmaceutical industry to ensure that its supply chain is diversified and put in place a medicine shortage risk mitigation plan to manage any vulnerabilities in and risks to the supply chain; ### 2. calls on the commission to consider proposing requirements for the pharmaceutical industry to ensure that its supply chain is diversified and put in place a medicine shortage risk mitigation plan to manage any vulnerabilities in and risks to the supply chain; highlights that such plan should include transparent reporting mechanisms with permanent communication channels through which patients and healthcare professionals can report and anticipate shortages.


### 3. stresses the urgent need for the eu to reduce its over-reliance on a small number of third countries for medicine manufacturing and as sources of active pharmaceutical ingredients; ### 3. stresses the urgent need for the eu to reduce its over-reliance on a small number of third countries for medicine manufacturing and as sources of active pharmaceutical ingredients; calls on the commission to foresee the creation of european common strategic reserves , building on resceu stockpile's initiative , and to introduce new financial incentives to support the relocation of production sites from third countries to europe , underpinned by more investment in research and development capabilities and infrastructure , including universities.


### 5. highlights the fact that horizon 2020 has already financed a significant number of health-related research and innovation activities; calls for more funding to be provided through horizon europe to create and support medicine-focused research ecosystems. ### 5. highlights the fact that horizon 2020 has already financed a significant number of health-related research and innovation activities; calls for more funding to be provided through horizon europe to create and support medicine-focused research and innovation ecosystems.


### g. whereas the us , based on the wto arbitration decision circulated on 2 october 20198 , declared its willingness to impose , in retaliation for illegal eu subsidies granted to the aircraft manufacturer airbus , tariffs on usd 7.5 billion worth of eu imports also of agricultural and industrial items in addition to aircraft; ### g. whereas the us on october 18th 2019 , based on the wto arbitration decision circulated on 2 october 20198 in retaliation for illegal eu subsidies granted to the aircraft manufacturer airbus , tariffs on usd 7.5 billion worth of eu imports also of agricultural and industrial items in addition to aircraft;


### 1. welcomes this agreement with the us on the allocation of a share in the trq for high-quality beef as a solution to a longstanding trade dispute , as it sets a positive example of a negotiated solution between the eu and the us; ### 1. takes note of this agreement with the us on the allocation of a share in the trq for high-quality beef as a solution to a longstanding trade dispute , as it sets a positive example of a negotiated solution between the eu and the us , and as a solution which enables the eu to ensure imports of high-quality meat into its territory;


### 2. welcomes and acknowledges the fact that , while it remains unclear whether any compensation has been foreseen , other wto members that export beef to the eu agreed to support this agreement by accepting that the vast majority of the quota would be allocated to the us; ### 2. acknowledges the fact that the other wto members that export beef to the eu and that have agreed to support this agreement by accepting that the vast majority of the quota would be allocated to the us have undoubtedly made provision for compensation in other free-trade agreements which are either being negotiated or may be negotiated in the future;


### 2. welcomes and acknowledges the fact that , while it remains unclear whether any compensation has been foreseen , other wto members that export beef to the eu agreed to support this agreement by accepting that the vast majority of the quota would be allocated to the us; ### 2. welcomes and acknowledges the fact that other wto members that export beef to the eu agreed to support this agreement by accepting that the vast majority of the quota would be allocated to the us;


### 3. notes that the agreement does not affect current levels of market access for beef to the eu market; ### 3. notes that the agreement does not affect current levels of market access for beef to the eu market and that it should in no way weaken the technical characteristics of the quota , both in terms of product quality and traceability , so as to ensure a high level of protection for europeans;


### 4. stresses the importance of finding negotiated solutions , such as this agreement , to dilute trade tensions between the eu and the us; ### 4. supports the commission in its efforts to and stresses the importance of finding negotiated solutions including this agreement , a fair and balanced solution for our respective aircraft industries and the revocation of the us tariffs on steel , aluminium and olives in order to dilute current trade tensions between the eu and the us; calls on the us to work with the eu in this regard;


### 6. calls on the us to work with the eu on a fair and balanced solution for our respective aircraft industries in order to prevent the mutual imposition of countermeasures as a result of the longstanding airbus/boeing dispute; ### deleted


### 6. calls on the us to work with the eu on a fair and balanced solution for our respective aircraft industries in order to prevent the mutual imposition of countermeasures as a result of the longstanding airbus/boeing dispute; ### 6. calls on the us to work with the eu on a fair and balanced solution for our respective aircraft industries in order to prevent the mutual imposition of countermeasures as a result of the longstanding airbus/boeing dispute; is concerned about the measures taken by the us which affect the european aviation sector and numerous agri-food products; calls on the commission to put in place support measures for european producers;


### 7. calls on the us to revoke the additional tariffs on steel and aluminium , and olives , and to withdraw its threat to impose additional tariffs on cars and car parts; ### deleted


### 1. refuses to give its consent to solomon islands’ accession to the agreement; ### 1. gives its consent to solomon islands’ accession to the agreement;


### the committee on development calls on the committee on international trade , as the committee responsible , to propose rejection of the council draft. ### the committee on development calls on the committee on international trade , as the committee responsible , to recommend approval of the draft council decision on the accession of solomon islands to the interim partnership agreement between the european community , of the one part , and the pacific states , of the other part.


### c. whereas 90 % of future world economic growth is predicted to be generated outside europe and notably in asia; ### c. whereas 90 % of future world economic growth is predicted to be generated outside europe , and a significant part of this occurs in asia;


### 3. congratulates viet nam on ratifying six of the ilo’s eight fundamental conventions , namely no 29 on forced labour , nos 100 and 111 on non-discrimination , nos 138 and 182 on child labour and , most recently , no 98 on the right to organise and collective bargaining; urges the vietnamese government to quickly ratify outstanding convention no 105 on forced labour and no 87 on the freedom of association , and highlights the crucial importance of ensuring that all of these conventions are fully implemented; ### 3. congratulates viet nam on ratifying six of the ilo’s eight fundamental conventions , namely no 29 on forced labour , nos 100 and 111 on non-discrimination , nos 138 and 182 on child labour and , most recently , no 98 on the right to organise and collective bargaining; urges the vietnamese government to quickly ratify outstanding convention no 105 on forced labour and no 87 on the freedom of association , and highlights the crucial importance of ensuring that all of these conventions are rigorously implemented and enforced;


### 4. welcomes viet nam’s commitment to revise and quickly ratify its labour code , highlighting the importance of the promotion and practical enforcement of gender equality and female empowerment; reiterates that gender inequality should no longer be seen as a purely social issue , but as an economic one that presents a key challenge to attaining inclusive and sustainable growth; calls on the commission to monitor developments closely and to keep parliament regularly updated on the situation. ### 4. welcomes viet nam’s commitment to revise and quickly ratify its labour code , in order to promote decent work for all , highlighting the importance of practical enforcement of gender equality , female empowerment and child protection; reiterates that gender inequality should no longer be seen as a purely social issue , but as an economic one that presents a key challenge to attaining inclusive and sustainable growth; calls on the commission to monitor developments closely and to keep parliament regularly updated on the situation.


### 3. calls on the commission to ensure that eu competition policy promotes fair competition and reciprocal trading conditions at eu and global level with the further aim of strengthening our own industry in the eu; calls , therefore , for unfair trading practices to be addressed effectively by making full use of the available instruments , developing new , effective tools and tackling the distortive effects of foreign state ownership and subsidies in the internal market , in particular where eu funding is involved; welcomes , against this backdrop , the new commission’s intention to strengthen the foreign direct investment screening mechanism , and calls for discussions on the eu’s international procurement instrument to be resumed; ### 3. reiterates that the objective of eu competition policy is to promote fair competition in a free and dynamic internal market; notes that an increasing number of external actors operate within that internal market and stresses the need to ensure that eu competition rules apply to all actors active within the eu internal market; calls on the commission to safeguard the eu level playing field with a more coordinated , assertive and integrative approach of existing instruments instruments , including competition and procurement policies as well as trade instruments; calls on the commission to also consider including state subsidies and government ownership as exclusion criteria and/or the contract award criteria of the eu's public procurement direction as well as the extraterritorial application of eu competition policy to address the distortive effects of foreign state ownership and subsidies in the internal market; welcomes in this regards the recent proposal by the dutch government the strengthen the level playing field on the internal market; welcomes also the new commission’s intention to strengthen the foreign direct investment screening mechanism , and calls for discussions on the eu’s international procurement instrument to be resumed;


### a. whereas competition policy must benefit the consumer while defending european businesses , in particular smes , against unfair competition outside europe; ### a. whereas competition policy must benefit the consumer whilst promoting healthy competition amongst businesses operating in the single market , in particular by ensuring smes are afforded the opportunity to compete on a fair basis;


### a. whereas article 42 of the treaty on the functioning of the european union grants special status to the sector in respect of competition law; ### a. whereas article 42 of the treaty on the functioning of the european union grants special status to the sector in respect of competition law in order to attain the objectives set out in article 39;


### c. whereas a more sustainable and solidarity-based economy is important; ### c. whereas a more sustainable and solidarity-based economy , which takes into account new types of enterprises in the single market such as social economy enterprises (sees) , is important;


### the class of the product; ### the type of product;


### 1. the office shall ensure that any person is able to download an official extract from the union register of geographical indications for craft and industrial products that provides proof of registration of the geographical indication , and the relevant data including the date of application for the registration of the geographical indication or other priority date. the official extract may be used as an authentic certificate in legal proceedings , in a court of law , in a court of arbitration or similar body. ### 1. the office shall ensure that any person is able to download an official extract from the union register of geographical indications for craft and industrial products that provides proof of registration of the geographical indication , and the relevant data including the date of application for the registration of the geographical indication or other priority date. the official extract may be used as an authentic certificate in legal proceedings , in a court of law , in a court of arbitration or similar body. reasons leading to the rejection of an application shall be made accessible as well.


### 2. the applicant producer group or where article 6(3) applies , the single producer shall be identified as the holder of the registration in the union register of geographical indications for craft and industrial products and in the official extract referred to in paragraph (1) of this article. ### 2. the applicant producer group or where article 6(2)or 6(3) applies , the authority designated by a member state or a local authority or the single producer shall be identified as the holder of the registration of geographical indications for craft and industrial products in the union register and in the official extract referred to in paragraph (1) of this article.


### 1. a producer group having a legitimate interest may apply for the approval of an amendment to the product specification of a registered geographical indication. ### 1. a producer group , a single producer or a competent authority having a legitimate interest may apply for the approval of an amendment to the product specification of a registered geographical indication.


### 2. opposition and cancellation decisions shall be taken by a panel of three members. at least one member shall be legally qualified. all other decisions of paragraph 1 shall be taken by a single member. ### 2. opposition and cancellation decisions shall betaken by a panel of at least three members. at least one member shall be legally qualified and have appropriate technical knowledge.


### 5. the advisory board shall be composed of one representative of each member state and one representatives of the commission and their respective alternates. ### 5. the advisory board shall be composed of at least one representative of each member state and one representatives of the commission and their respective alternates. if deemed necessary , recognized expert in the field of geographical indications or of the concerned product , including representatives of regions shall be invited to join the board on ad hoc basis.


### any misuse , imitation or evocation , even if the true origin of the products or services is indicated or if the protected geographical indication is translated or accompanied by an expression such as ‘style’ , ‘type’ , ‘method’ , ‘as produced in’ , ‘imitation’ , ‘flavour’ , ‘like’ or similar; ### any misuse , imitation or evocation , even if the true origin of the products or services is indicated or if the protected geographical indication is translated or accompanied by an expression such as ‘style’ , ‘type’ , ‘method’ , ‘as produced in’ , ‘imitation’ , ‘flavour’ , 'fragrance' , ‘like’ or similar;


### 5. the producer group or any producer that is entitled to use the protected geographical indication shall be entitled to prevent all third parties from bringing goods , in the course of trade , into the union without being released for free circulation there , where such goods , including packaging , come from third countries and are contrary to paragraph 1. ### 5. the producer group , the geographical indication holder or any producer that is entitled to use the protected geographical indication shall be entitled to prevent all third parties from bringing goods , in the course of trade , into the union without being released for free circulation there , where such goods , including packaging , come from third countries and are contrary to paragraph 1.


### 1. article 35 is without prejudice to the use of a geographical indication by producers in conformity with article 43 to indicate that a manufactured product contains , as a part or component , a product designated by that geographical indication provided that such use is made in accordance with honest commercial practices and does not weaken , dilute , or is not detrimental to , the reputation of the geographical indication. ### 1. article 35 is without prejudice to the use of a protected geographical indication name indicating that a manufactured product contains or integrates , as a part or component , a product designated by that geographical indication provided that such use is made in accordance with honest commercial practices , is agreed with the geographical indication right holder and does not weaken , dilute , or is not detrimental to , the reputation of the geographical indication.


### 1. a registered geographical indication may be used by any producer marketing a product conforming to the corresponding product specification or to a single document or an equivalent to the latter. ### 1. a registered geographical indication may be used by any producer , geographical indication holder or operator marketing a product conforming to the corresponding product specification.


### 2. in the case of craft and industrial products originating in the union that are marketed under a geographical indication , the union symbol referred to in paragraph 1 may appear on the labelling and advertising material. the geographical indication shall be in the same field of vision as the union symbol. ### 2. in the case of craft and industrial products originating in the union that are marketed under a geographical indication , the union symbol referred to in paragraph 1 shall appear on the labelling and advertising material. the name of the geographical indication shall be in the same field of vision as the union symbol.


### 3. the abbreviation ‘pgi’ corresponding to the indication ‘protected geographical indication’ may appear on the labelling of products designated by a geographical indication of craft and industrial products. ### 3. the abbreviation ‘pgi’ corresponding to the indication ‘protected geographical indication’ shall appear on the labelling of products and advertising material designated by a geographical indication of craft and industrial products.


### 6. the union symbol indicating the protected geographical indication and the union indication ‘protected geographical indication’ and the abbreviation ‘pgi’ as relevant , may appear on the labelling only after the publication of the decision on registration in accordance with articles 24 and 25. ### 6. the union symbol indicating the protected geographical indication and the union indication ‘protected geographical indication’ and the abbreviation ‘pgi’ as relevant , shall appear on the labelling and advertising material only after the publication of the decision on registration in accordance with articles 24 and 25.


### 1. without prejudice to article 46 , member states may allow a self-declaration for the verification of compliance with the product specification. the producer shall submit such self-declaration to the competent authorities referred to in article 45(1). ### deleted


### 2. member states may allow producers to submit a self-declaration once every 3 years to the competent authorities to ensure their continuous conformity with the product specification in the marketplace. where the product specification is amended or changed in a way that affects the concerned product , the self-declaration shall be renewed immediately. ### deleted


### 3. where self-declarations are used competent authorities shall carry out random controls. in the event of breaches , member states shall take all necessary measures to remedy the situation. ### deleted


### 2. the office shall make public the names and addresses of the competent authorities and product certification bodies referred to in article 46(4) and update that information periodically. ### 2. the office shall make public the names and addresses of the competent authorities , product certification bodies referred to in article 46(4) and natural persons referred to in article 46(3)and update that information periodically.


### 49 self-declaration certification procedure ### 49 self-declaration procedure


### 4. the self-declaration shall follow the structure set out in annex 1 and shall contain all the information and requirements specified in that annex. ### deleted


### 5. the commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with article 66 , amending this regulation and introducing , where relevant , modifications to the information and requirements specified in annex 1. ### deleted


### orders to act against illegal content ### orders to act against illegal online content


### 1. a producer whose product , following the verification of compliance referred to in article 46 , is found to comply with the product specification of a geographical indication protected under this regulation or that has , if applicable in the member state concerned , properly submitted a self-declaration to the competent authority , shall be entitled to an official certificate , or other proof of certification , of eligibility to produce the product designated by the geographical indication concerned in respect of the production steps performed by the said producer. ### 1. a producer whose product , following the verification of compliance referred to in article 46 , is found to comply with the product specification of a geographical indication protected under this regulation or that has , if applicable in the member state concerned , properly submitted a self-declaration to the competent authority , shall be entitled to an official certificate , or other proof of certification , of eligibility to produce the product designated by the geographical indication concerned in respect of the production steps performed by the said producer


### [...] ### deleted


### goods as classified in the combined nomenclature set out in annex i to council regulation (eec) no 2658/87 , referred to in article 1 of this regulation1. ### goods as classified in the combined nomenclature set out in annex i to council regulation (eec) no 2658/87 , referred to in article 1 of this regulation1.


### (1) forests provide a broad variety of environmental , economic and social benefits , including timber and non-wood forest products and environmental services essential for humankind , as they harbour most of the earth’s terrestrial biodiversity. they maintain ecosystem functions , help protect the climate system , provide clean air and play a vital role for the purification of waters and soils as well as for water retention. in addition , forests provide subsistence and income to about one third of the world’s population and their destruction has serious consequences for the livelihoods of the most vulnerable people , including indigenous peoples and local communities who heavily depend on forest ecosystems18. furthermore , deforestation and forest degradation reduce essential carbon sinks and increase the likelihood of new diseases spreading from animals to humans. ### (1) forests provide a broad variety of environmental , economic and social benefits , including timber and non-wood forest products and environmental services essential for humankind , as they harbour most of the earth’s terrestrial biodiversity. they maintain ecosystem functions , help protect the climate system , provide clean air and play a vital role for the purification of waters and soils as well as for water retention. in addition , forests provide subsistence and income to about one third of the world’s population and their destruction has serious consequences for the livelihoods of the most vulnerable people , including indigenous peoples and local communities who heavily depend on forest ecosystems18. furthermore , deforestation and forest degradation reduce essential carbon sinks. deforestation , forest degradation and the conversion and degradation of other ecosystems also increase contacts between wild animals and farmed animals and humans , thereby increasing the likelihood of new diseases spreading and the risks of new epidemics and pandemics.


### (1) forests provide a broad variety of environmental , economic and social benefits , including timber and non-wood forest products and environmental services essential for humankind , as they harbour most of the earth’s terrestrial biodiversity. they maintain ecosystem functions , help protect the climate system , provide clean air and play a vital role for the purification of waters and soils as well as for water retention. in addition , forests provide subsistence and income to about one third of the world’s population and their destruction has serious consequences for the livelihoods of the most vulnerable people , including indigenous peoples and local communities who heavily depend on forest ecosystems.18 furthermore , deforestation and forest degradation reduce essential carbon sinks and increase the likelihood of new diseases spreading from animals to humans. ### (1) forests provide a broad variety of environmental , economic and social benefits , including timber and non-wood forest products and environmental services essential for humankind , as they harbour most of the earth’s terrestrial biodiversity. they maintain ecosystem functions , regulate and help protect the climate system , provide clean air and play a vital role for the purification of waters and soils as well as for water retention and recharge. large forest areas act as a moisture source and help prevent desertification of continental regions. in addition , forests provide subsistence and income to about one third of the world’s population and their destruction has serious consequences for the livelihoods of the most vulnerable people , including indigenous peoples and local communities who heavily depend on forest ecosystems.18 furthermore , deforestation and forest degradation reduce essential carbon sinks and increase the likelihood of new diseases spreading from animals to humans.


### (4) climate breakdown induces the loss of biodiversity globally and biodiversity loss aggravates climate change , they are inextricably linked , as recent studies have confirmed. biodiversity helps mitigate climate change. insects , birds and mammals act as pollinators , seed dispersers and can help store carbon more efficiently , directly or indirectly. forests also ensure a continuous replenishment of water resources and prevention of droughts and their deleterious effects to local communities , including indigenous peoples. drastically reducing deforestation and forest degradation and systemically restoring forests and other ecosystems is the single largest nature-based opportunity for climate mitigation. ### (4) climate breakdown induces the loss of biodiversity globally and biodiversity loss aggravates climate change , they are inextricably linked , as recent studies have confirmed. biodiversity helps mitigate climate change. insects , birds and mammals act as pollinators , seed dispersers and can help store carbon more efficiently , directly or indirectly. forests and other ecosystems also ensure a continuous replenishment of water resources and prevention of droughts and their deleterious effects to local communities , including indigenous peoples. drastically reducing deforestation , forest degradation and the conversion and degradation of other ecosystems and systemically restoring forests and other ecosystems is the single largest nature-based opportunity for climate mitigation.


### (4) climate breakdown induces the loss of biodiversity globally and biodiversity loss aggravates climate change , they are inextricably linked , as recent studies have confirmed. biodiversity helps mitigate climate change. insects , birds and mammals act as pollinators , seed dispersers and can help store carbon more efficiently , directly or indirectly. forests also ensure a continuous replenishment of water resources and prevention of droughts and their deleterious effects to local communities , including indigenous peoples. drastically reducing deforestation and forest degradation and systemically restoring forests and other ecosystems is the single largest nature-based opportunity for climate mitigation. ### (4) climate breakdown induces the loss of biodiversity globally and biodiversity loss aggravates climate change , they are inextricably linked , as recent studies have confirmed. biodiversity helps mitigate climate change. insects , birds and mammals act as pollinators , seed dispersers and can help store carbon more efficiently , directly or indirectly. forests also ensure a continuous replenishment of water resources and prevention of droughts and their deleterious effects to local communities , including indigenous peoples. drastically reducing deforestation and forest degradation and systemically restoring forests and other ecosystems is , next to a sustainable bio-economy , the single largest nature-based opportunity for climate mitigation.


### (10) member states have repeatedly expressed their concern about persistent deforestation. they emphasised that since current policies and action at global level on conservation , restoration and sustainable management of forests do not suffice to halt deforestation and forest degradation , enhanced union action is needed in order to contribute more effectively to the achievement of the sustainable development goals (sdgs) , under the 2030 agenda for sustainable development , which was adopted by all united nations member states in 2015. the council specifically supported the commission announcement in the communication ‘stepping up eu action to protect and restore the world’s forests’ that it would assess additional regulatory and non-regulatory measures and that it would present respective proposals.31 ### (10) member states have repeatedly expressed their concern about persistent deforestation. they emphasised that since current policies and action at global level on conservation , restoration and sustainable management of forests do not suffice to halt deforestation , forest degradation and biodiversity loss , enhanced union action is needed in order to contribute more effectively to the achievement of the sustainable development goals (sdgs) , under the 2030 agenda for sustainable development , which was adopted by all united nations member states in 2015. the european commission and member states have also committed to the un decade of action for the sdgs , the un decade on ecosystem restoration and the un decade of family farming. the council specifically supported the commission announcement in the communication ‘stepping up eu action to protect and restore the world’s forests’ that it would assess additional regulatory and non-regulatory measures and that it would present respective proposals.31


### (15) halting deforestation and forest degradation is an essential part of the sdgs. this regulation should contribute in particular to meeting the goals regarding life on land (sdg 15) , climate action (sdg 13) , responsible consumption and production (sdg 12) , zero hunger (sdg 2) and good health and well-being (sdg 3). the relevant target 15.2 to halt deforestation by 2020 has not been met , underlining the urgency of ambitious and effective action. ### (15) halting deforestation and forest degradation is an essential part of the sdgs and the fulfilment of the 2030 agenda. . this regulation should contribute in particular to meeting the goals regarding life on land (sdg 15) , climate action (sdg 13) , responsible consumption and production (sdg 12) , zero hunger (sdg 2) and good health and well-being (sdg 3). the relevant target 15.2 to halt deforestation by 2020 has not been met , underlining the urgency of ambitious and effective action. this regulation should consider and make a central component of its implementation all three dimensions of sustainability: environmental , social and economic. leaving none behind should also be a guiding principle in the regulation.


### (16) this regulation should also respond to the new york declaration on forests35 , a non-legally binding political declaration that endorses a global timeline to cut natural forest loss in half by 2020 , and strive to end it by 2030. the declaration was endorsed by dozens of governments , many of the world’s biggest companies , and influential civil society and indigenous organisations. it also called on the private sector to meet the goal of eliminating deforestation from the production of agricultural commodities such as palm oil , soy , paper and beef products by no later than 2020 , a goal that was not achieved. the regulation should in addition contribute to the united nations strategic plan for forests , 2017-203036 , whose global forest goal 1 is to reverse the loss of forest cover worldwide through sustainable forest management , including protection , restoration , afforestation and reforestation , and increase efforts to prevent forest degradation and enhance the contribution of forests to climate change. ### (16) this regulation should also respond to the new york declaration on forests35 , a non-legally binding political declaration that endorses a global timeline to cut natural forest loss in half by 2020 , and strive to end it by 2030. the declaration was endorsed by dozens of governments , many of the world’s biggest companies , and influential civil society and indigenous organisations. it also called on the private sector to meet the goal of eliminating deforestation from the production of agricultural commodities such as palm oil , soy , paper and beef products by no later than 2020 , a goal that was not achieved. the regulation should in addition contribute to the united nations strategic plan for forests , 2017-203036 , whose global forest goal 1 is to reverse the loss of forest cover worldwide through sustainable forest management , including protection , restoration , afforestation and reforestation , and increase efforts to prevent forest degradation and enhance the contribution of forests to climate change. in this regard , the regulation should also consider the work of the amsterdam declarations partnership , building on the new york declaration on forests , aims to eliminate deforestation in relation to agricultural commodities by 2025 while also preserving primary forests and high conservation value areas , amongst others through responsible supply chain management.


### (21) the commission should continue to work in partnership with producer countries , and more generally in cooperation with international organisations and bodies , and should be reinforcing its support and incentives with regard to protecting forests and transition to deforestation-free production , acknowledging the role of indigenous people , improving governance and land tenure , increasing law enforcement and promoting sustainable forest management , climate-resilient agriculture , sustainable intensification and diversification , agro-ecology and agroforestry. in doing so it should acknowledge the role of indigenous people in protecting forests. building upon the experience and lessons learned in the context of the already existing initiatives , the union and the member states should work in partnership with producer countries , upon their request , to exploit the multi-functionalities of forest , support them in the transition to sustainable forest management , and address global challenges while meeting local needs and paying attention to the challenges faced by smallholders in line with the communication to stepping up action to protect and restore the world’s forests. the partnership approach should help producer countries in protecting , restoring and sustainably using forest , hence contributing to the objective of this regulation to reduce deforestation and forest degradation. ### (21) the commission should continue to work in partnership with producer countries , local communities , and more generally in cooperation with international organisations and bodies , and should be reinforcing its support and incentives with regard to protecting forests and transition to deforestation-free production , acknowledging the role of indigenous people , , local communities and smallholders , improving governance and land tenure , increasing law enforcement and promoting sustainable forest management , climate-resilient agriculture , sustainable intensification and diversification , agro-ecology and agroforestry , as well as ensuring a level playing field to avoid income loss in developing countries and unfair competition.. in doing so it should acknowledge the role of indigenous people in protecting forests and recognise the important role of smallholders in the production of the commodities considered in this regulation. building upon the experience and lessons learned in the context of the already existing initiatives , the union and the member states should work in partnership with producer countries , upon their request , to exploit the multi-functionalities of forest , support them in the transition to sustainable forest management , and address global challenges while meeting local needs and paying attention to the challenges faced by smallholders in line with the communication to stepping up action to protect and restore the world’s forests. the partnership approach should help producer countries in protecting , restoring and sustainably using forest , hence contributing to the objective of this regulation to reduce deforestation and forest degradation.


### (21) the commission should continue to work in partnership with producer countries , and more generally in cooperation with international organisations and bodies , and should be reinforcing its support and incentives with regard to protecting forests and transition to deforestation-free production , acknowledging the role of indigenous people , improving governance and land tenure , increasing law enforcement and promoting sustainable forest management , climate-resilient agriculture , sustainable intensification and diversification , agro-ecology and agroforestry. in doing so it should acknowledge the role of indigenous people in protecting forests. building upon the experience and lessons learned in the context of the already existing initiatives , the union and the member states should work in partnership with producer countries , upon their request , to exploit the multi-functionalities of forest , support them in the transition to sustainable forest management , and address global challenges while meeting local needs and paying attention to the challenges faced by smallholders in line with the communication to stepping up action to protect and restore the world’s forests. the partnership approach should help producer countries in protecting , restoring and sustainably using forest , hence contributing to the objective of this regulation to reduce deforestation and forest degradation. ### (21) the commission should continue to work in partnership with producer countries , and more generally in cooperation with international organisations and bodies , and should be reinforcing its support and incentives with regard to protecting forests and transition to deforestation-free production , acknowledging the role of indigenous people and local communities , improving governance and land tenure , increasing law enforcement and promoting sustainable forest management , climate-resilient agriculture , sustainable intensification and diversification , agro-ecology and agroforestry. in doing so it should acknowledge the role of indigenous people and local communities in protecting forests. building upon the experience and lessons learned in the context of the already existing initiatives , the union and the member states should work in partnership with producer countries , upon their request , to exploit the multi-functionalities of forest , support them in the transition to sustainable forest management , and address global challenges while meeting local needs and paying attention to the challenges faced by smallholders in line with the communication to stepping up action to protect and restore the world’s forests. the partnership approach should help producer countries in protecting , restoring and sustainably using forest , hence contributing to the objective of this regulation to reduce deforestation and forest degradation.


### (29) obligations concerning relevant commodities and products should be laid down by this regulation in order to effectively combat deforestation , forest degradation , and to promote deforestation-free supply chains. ### (29) obligations concerning relevant commodities and products should be laid down by this regulation in order to effectively combat deforestation , forest degradation , and to promote deforestation-free supply chains , while maintaining the competitiveness in the single market and a level playing-field among operators and traders. obligations should be proportionate and feasible to achieve these objectives and should take into consideration the administrative burden that it entails for operators and traders.


### (32) to strengthen the union’s contribution to halting deforestation and forest degradation , and to ensure that commodities and products from supply chains related to deforestation and forest degradation are not placed on the union market , relevant commodities and products should not be placed or made available on the union market , nor exported from the union market unless they are deforestation-free and have been produced in accordance with the relevant legislation of the country of production. to confirm that this is the case , they should always be accompanied by a due diligence statement. ### (32) to strengthen the union’s contribution to halting deforestation and forest degradation , and to ensure that commodities and products from supply chains related to deforestation and forest degradation are not placed on nor exported from the union market , relevant commodities and products should not be placed or made available on the union market , nor exported from the union market unless they are deforestation-free and have been produced in accordance with the relevant legislation of the country of production. to confirm that this is the case , the relevant commodities and products should always be accompanied by a due diligence statement.


### (35) in order to recognise good practice , certification or other third party verified schemes could be used in the risk assessment procedure , however , they should not substitute the operator’s responsibility as regards due diligence. ### (35) in order to recognise good practice , certification or other third party verified schemes could be used in the risk assessment procedure and in risk mitigation , however , they should not substitute the operator’s responsibility as regards due diligence.


### (47) for this reason , the commission should assess the deforestation and forest degradation risk at a level of a country or parts thereof based on a range of criteria that reflect both quantitative , objective and internationally recognised data , and indications that the countries are actively engaged in fighting deforestation and forest degradation. this benchmarking information should make it easier for operators in the union to exercise due diligence and for competent authorities to monitor and enforce compliance , while also providing an incentive for producer countries to increase the sustainability of their agricultural production systems and reduce their deforestation impact. this should help making supply chains more transparent and sustainable. this benchmarking system should be based on a three-tier classification of countries to be regarded as low , standard or high risk. in order to ensure appropriate transparency and clarity , the commission should in particular make publicly available the data being used for benchmarking , the reasons for the proposed change of classification and the reply of the country concerned. for relevant commodities and products from low risk countries or parts of countries identified as low-risk , operators should be allowed to apply a simplified due diligence , whilst competent authorities should be required to apply enhanced scrutiny on relevant commodities and products from high risk countries or parts of countries identified as high-risk. the commission should be empowered to adopt implementing measures to establish the countries or parts thereof that present a low or high risk of producing relevant commodities and products that are not compliant with this regulation. ### (47) for this reason , the commission should assess the deforestation and forest degradation risk at a level of a country or parts thereof based on a range of criteria that reflect both quantitative , objective and internationally recognised data , and indications that the countries are actively engaged in fighting deforestation and forest degradation. this benchmarking information should make it easier for operators in the union to exercise due diligence and for competent authorities to monitor and enforce compliance , while also providing an incentive for producer countries to increase the sustainability of their agricultural production systems and reduce their deforestation impact. this should help making supply chains more transparent and sustainable. this benchmarking system should be based on a two-tier classification of countries to be regarded as standard or high risk. in order to ensure appropriate transparency and clarity , the commission should in particular make publicly available the data being used for benchmarking , the reasons for the proposed change of classification and the reply of the country concerned. competent authorities should be required to apply enhanced scrutiny on relevant commodities and products from high risk countries or parts of countries identified as high-risk. the commission should be empowered to adopt implementing measures to establish the countries or parts thereof that present a high risk of producing relevant commodities and products that are not compliant with this regulation. the commission should envisage specific financial and technical support as well as enhance dialogue with partner countries considered part of the high risk category , in order to support them in the transition towards the standard category.


### (57) regulation (ec) no 2173/2005 lays down union procedures for the implementation of a flegt licensing scheme through bilateral voluntary partnership agreements (vpas) with timber-producing countries. to respect bilateral commitments that the european union has entered into and to preserve the progress achieved with partner countries that have an operating system in place (flegt licensing stage) , this regulation should include a provision declaring wood and wood-based products covered by a valid flegt license as fulfilling the legality requirement under this regulation. ### (57) regulation (ec) no 2173/2005 lays down union procedures for the implementation of a flegt licensing scheme through bilateral voluntary partnership agreements (vpas) with timber-producing countries. to respect bilateral commitments that the european union has entered into and to preserve the progress achieved with partner countries that have an operating system in place (flegt licensing stage) , this regulation should include a provision declaring wood and wood-based products covered by a valid flegt license as fulfilling the legality requirement under this regulation. the regulation should also take into account the lessons learned and good practices stemming from the implementation of vpas.


### this regulation lays down rules regarding the placing and making available on the union market , as well as the export from the union market , of cattle , cocoa , coffee , oil palm , soya and wood (“relevant commodities”) and products , as listed in annex i , that contain , have been fed with or have been made using relevant commodities (“relevant products”) , with a view to ### this regulation lays down rules regarding the placing and making available on the union market , including the release for free circulation and all the special customs regimes , as well as the export from the union market , of cattle , cocoa , coffee , oil palm , soya and wood (“relevant commodities”) and products , as listed in annex i , that contain , have been fed with or have been made using relevant commodities (“relevant products”) , with a view to


### this regulation lays down rules regarding the placing and making available on the union market , as well as the export from the union market , of cattle , cocoa , coffee , oil palm , soya and wood (“relevant commodities”) and products , as listed in annex i , that contain , have been fed with or have been made using relevant commodities (“relevant products”) , with a view to ### this regulation lays down rules regarding the placing and making available on the union market , as well as the export from the union market , of cattle , cocoa , coffee , oil palm , soya , crustaceans , poultry , rubber , maize and wood (“relevant commodities”) and products , as listed in annex i , that contain , have been fed with or have been made using relevant commodities (“relevant products”) , with a view to


### this regulation lays down rules regarding the placing and making available on the union market , as well as the export from the union market , of cattle , cocoa , coffee , oil palm , soya and wood (“relevant commodities”) and products , as listed in annex i , that contain , have been fed with or have been made using relevant commodities (“relevant products”) , with a view to ### this regulation lays down rules regarding the placing and making available on the union market , as well as the export from the union market , of cattle , cocoa , coffee , oil palm , soya , wood , maize and rubber (“relevant commodities”) and products , as listed in annex i , that contain , have been fed with or have been made using relevant commodities (“relevant products”) , with a view to


### this regulation lays down rules regarding the placing and making available on the union market , as well as the export from the union market , of cattle , cocoa , coffee , oil palm , soya and wood (“relevant commodities”) and products , as listed in annex i , that contain , have been fed with or have been made using relevant commodities (“relevant products”) , with a view to ### this regulation lays down rules regarding the placing and making available on the union market , as well as the export from the union market , of cattle , poultry , cocoa , coffee , oil palm , soya and wood (“relevant commodities”) and products , as listed in annex i , that contain , have been fed with or have been made using relevant commodities (“relevant products”) , with a view to


### minimising the union’s contribution to deforestation and forest degradation worldwide ### minimising the union’s contribution to deforestation and forest degradation and to the conversion and degradation of other ecosystems worldwide


### minimising the union’s contribution to deforestation and forest degradation worldwide ### minimising the union’s contribution to deforestation worldwide


### the regulation shall not apply to relevant commodities and products placed on the union market that were produced before the date established in article 36(1). ### the regulation shall not apply to relevant commodities and products placed on the union market that were produced before the date established in article 36(1) except for those already covered by regulation (eu) no 995/2010 that shall substantiate full compliance of this latter regulation prior to its repeal.


### (1) ‘deforestation’ means the conversion of forest to agricultural use , whether human-induced or not; ### (1) 'deforestation' means the conversion , whether human-induced or not , of forest , in particular for agricultural or mining purposes , and including conversion of primary or old-growth forest to planted forest or plantation forest;


### (1) ‘deforestation’ means the conversion of forest to agricultural use , whether human-induced or not; ### (1) ‘deforestation’ means the conversion of forest to , in particular , agricultural or mining use , whether human-induced or not , including the conversion of primary forest to planted forest or plantation forest;


### (1) ‘deforestation’ means the conversion of forest to agricultural use , whether human-induced or not; ### (1) ‘deforestation’ means the conversion of forest to agricultural use , whether human-induced or not; excluding smaller than 0 ,5 ha conversion of forest for agricultural use per parcel;


### (2) ‘forest’ means land spanning more than 0 ,5 hectares with trees higher than 5 meters and a canopy cover of more than 10% , or trees able to reach those thresholds in situ , excluding agricultural plantations and land that is predominantly under agricultural or urban land use; ### (2) ‘forest’ means land spanning more than 0 ,5 hectares with trees higher than 5 meters and a canopy cover of more than 10% , or trees able to reach those thresholds in situ , excluding agricultural plantations and land that is under other use , including agricultural or urban land use;


### (9) ‘produced’ means grown , harvested , raised , fed from or obtained on relevant plot of land; ### (9) ‘produced’ means grown , harvested , raised , fed from , during the whole life-cycle of the product or commodity , or obtained on relevant plot of land;


### (28) ‘relevant legislation of the country of production’ means the rules applicable in the country of production concerning the legal status of the area of production in terms of land use rights , environmental protection , third parties’ rights and relevant trade and customs regulations under legislation framework applicable in the country of production; ### (28) ‘relevant legislation of the country of production’ means the rules applicable in the country of production concerning the legal status of the area of production in terms of land use rights , including the case of illegal occupation or military conflict , environmental protection , third parties’ rights and relevant trade and customs regulations under legislation framework applicable in the country of production;


### they have been produced in accordance with the relevant legislation of the country of production; and ### they have been produced in accordance with the relevant legislation of the country of production and international legal frameworks on tenure rights , including the international labour organization convention 169 , the convention on biological diversity and the united nations declaration on the rights of indigenous peoples , as well as considering the provisions of the un guiding principles on business and human rights; and


### 3. the commission may adopt delegated acts in accordance with article 33 to supplement paragraph 1 concerning further relevant information to be obtained that may be necessary to ensure the effectiveness of the due diligence system. ### 3. the commission may adopt delegated acts in accordance with article 33 to supplement paragraph 1 concerning further relevant information to be obtained that may be necessary to ensure the effectiveness of the due diligence system and the application of information requirements to smallholders.


### model risk management practices , reporting , record-keeping , internal control and compliance management , including for operators that are not smes , the appointment of a compliance officer at management level; ### model risk management practices , possibly including by those undertaken by certification or other third-party-verified schemes , reporting , record-keeping , internal control and compliance management , including for operators that are not smes , the appointment of a compliance officer at management level;


### article 12 ### deleted


### 3. to carry out the checks referred to in paragraph 1 , the competent authorities shall establish a plan based on a risk-based approach. the plan shall contain at least risk criteria to carry out the risk analysis under paragraph 4 and thereby inform the decisions on checks. in establishing and reviewing the risk criteria , the competent authorities shall take into account in particular the assignment of risk to countries or parts thereof in accordance with article 27 , the history of compliance of an operator or trader with this regulation and any other relevant information. based on the results of the checks and the experience on implementation of the plans , the competent authorities shall review those plans and risk criteria on a regular basis in order to improve their effectiveness. when reviewing the plans , the competent authorities shall establish a reduced frequency of checks for those operators and traders who have shown a consistent record of full compliance with the requirements under this regulation. ### 3. to carry out the checks referred to in paragraph 1 , the competent authorities shall establish a plan based on a risk-based approach. the plan shall contain at least risk criteria to carry out the risk analysis under paragraph 4 and thereby inform the decisions on checks. in establishing and reviewing the risk criteria , the competent authorities shall take into account in particular the assignment of risk to countries or parts thereof in accordance with article 27 , the history of compliance of an operator or trader with this regulation and any other relevant information. based on the results of the checks and the experience on implementation of the plans , the competent authorities shall review those plans and risk criteria on a regular basis in order to improve their effectiveness. when reviewing the plans , the competent authorities may establish a reduced frequency of checks for those operators and traders who have shown a consistent record of full compliance with the requirements under this regulation.


### 9. each member state shall ensure that the annual checks carried out by their competent authorities cover at least 5% of the operators placing , making available on or exporting from the union market each of the relevant commodities on their market as well as 5% of the quantity of each of the relevant commodities placed or made available on or exported from their market. ### 9. each member state shall ensure that the annual checks carried out by their competent authorities according to the risk-based approach cover both operators that are placing , making available on or exporting from the union market each of the relevant commodities on their market as well as the quantity of each of the relevant commodities placed or made available on or exported from their market.


### 9. each member state shall ensure that the annual checks carried out by their competent authorities cover at least 5% of the operators placing , making available on or exporting from the union market each of the relevant commodities on their market as well as 5% of the quantity of each of the relevant commodities placed or made available on or exported from their market. ### 9. each member state shall ensure that the annual checks carried out by their competent authorities according to the risk-based approach cover operators placing , making available on or exporting from the union market each of the relevant commodities on their market as well as 5% of the quantity of each of the relevant commodities placed or made available on or exported from their market.


### 11. without prejudice to the checks under paragraphs 5 and 6 , competent authorities shall conduct checks referred to in paragraph 1 when they are in possession of evidence or other relevant information , including based on substantiated concerns provided by third parties under article 29 , concerning potential non-compliance with this regulation. ### 11. without prejudice to the checks under paragraphs 5 and 6 , competent authorities shall conduct checks referred to in paragraph 1 when they are in possession of evidence or other relevant information , including based on the rapid alert mechanism or on substantiated concerns provided by third parties under article 29 , concerning potential non-compliance with this regulation.


### 1. competent authorities shall cooperate with each other , with authorities from other member states , with the commission , and if necessary , with administrative authorities of third countries in order to ensure compliance with this regulation. ### 1. competent authorities shall cooperate with each other , with authorities from other member states , with the commission and , if necessary , with administrative authorities of third countries in order to ensure compliance with this regulation , including as regards the implementation of field audits.


### 3. competent authorities shall exchange information necessary for the enforcement of this regulation. this shall include giving access to and exchange of data on operators and traders including due diligence statements with other member states’ competent authorities to facilitate the enforcement of this regulation. ### 3. competent authorities shall exchange information necessary for the enforcement of this regulation. this shall include giving access to and exchange of data on operators and traders including due diligence statements , the nature and results of the controls carried out and any sanctions imposed with other member states’ competent authorities to facilitate the enforcement of this regulation.


### 1. member states shall make available to the public and the commission , at the latest by 30 april of each year , information on the application of this regulation during the previous calendar year. this information shall include their plans for checks , the number and the results of the controls carried out on operators and traders , including the contents of these checks , the volume of relevant commodities and products checked in relation to the total quantity of relevant commodities and products placed on the market , the countries of origin and of production of relevant commodities and products as well as the measures taken in case of non-compliance and the costs of controls recovered. ### 1. member states shall make available to the public and the commission , at the latest by 30 april of each year , information on the application of this regulation during the previous calendar year. this information shall include their plans for checks , the number and the results of the controls carried out on operators and traders , including the contents of these checks , the volume of relevant commodities and products checked in relation to the total quantity of relevant commodities and products placed on the market , the countries of origin and of production of relevant commodities and products as well as the measures taken in case of non-compliance , including the sanctions imposed , and the costs of controls recovered.


### where relevant commodities or products were produced in a country or part thereof listed as high risk in accordance with article 27 , or there is a risk of relevant commodities or products produced in such countries or parts thereof entering the relevant supply chain , each member state shall ensure that the annual checks carried out by their competent authorities cover at least 15% of the operators placing , making available on or exporting from the union market each of the relevant commodities on their market as well as 15% of the quantity of each of the relevant commodities placed or made available on or exported from their market from high risk countries or parts thereof. ### where relevant commodities or products were produced in a country or part thereof listed as high risk in accordance with article 27 , or there is a risk of relevant commodities or products produced in such countries or parts thereof entering the relevant supply chain , each member state shall ensure that the annual checks carried out by their competent authorities cover at least 20% of the operators placing , making available on or exporting from the union market each of the relevant commodities on their market as well as 20% of the quantity of each of the relevant commodities placed or made available on or exported from their market from high risk countries or parts thereof.


### where , following the checks referred to in article 15 and 16 , possible serious shortcomings have been detected , or risks have been identified pursuant to article 14(6) , the competent authorities may take immediate interim measures , including seizure or suspension of the placing or making available on and exporting from the union market of the relevant commodities and products. ### where , following the checks referred to in article 15 and 16 , possible serious shortcomings have been detected , or risks have been identified pursuant to article 14(6) , the competent authorities may take immediate interim measures , including seizure or suspension of the placing or making available on and exporting from the union market of the relevant commodities and products. member states shall inform the commission and the competent authorities of other member states about such measures directly.


### 1. without prejudice to article 23 , where competent authorities establish that an operator or trader has not complied with its obligations under this regulation or that a relevant commodity or product is not compliant with this regulation , they shall without delay require the relevant operator or trader to take appropriate and proportionate corrective action to bring the non-compliance to an end. ### 1. without prejudice to article 23 , where competent authorities establish that an operator or trader has not complied with its obligations under this regulation or that a relevant commodity or product is not compliant with this regulation , they shall without delay require the relevant operator or trader to take appropriate and proportionate corrective action to bring the non-compliance to an end as soon as possible.


### destroying the relevant commodity or product or donating it to charitable or public interest purposes. ### donating it to charitable or public interest purposes or destroying the relevant commodity or product.


### destroying the relevant commodity or product or donating it to charitable or public interest purposes. ### donating the relevant commodity or product to charitable or public interest purposes.


### fines proportionate to the environmental damage and the value of the relevant commodities or products concerned , calculating the level of such fines in such way as to make sure that they effectively deprive those responsible of the economic benefits derived from their infringements , and gradually increasing the level of such fines for repeated infringements; the maximum amount of such fines shall be at least 4 % of the operators or trader’s annual turnover in the member state or member states concerned; ### fines proportionate to the environmental damage and the value of the relevant commodities or products concerned , calculating the level of such fines in such way as to make sure that they effectively deprive those responsible of the economic benefits derived from their infringements , and gradually increasing the level of such fines for repeated infringements; the maximum amount of such fines shall be at least 15% of the operators or trader’s annual turnover in the member state or member states concerned and can be increased to ensure that the penalty exceeds the potential economic advantage gained;


### 1. this regulation establishes a three-tier system for the assessment of countries or parts thereof. unless identified in accordance with this article as presenting a low or high risk , countries shall be considered as presenting a standard risk. the commission may identify countries or parts thereof that present a low or high risk of producing relevant commodities or products that are not compliant with article 3 , point (a). the list of the countries or parts thereof that present a low or high risk shall be published by means of implementing act(s) to be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in article 34(2). that list shall be updated as necessary in light of new evidence. ### 1. this regulation establishes a two-tier system for the assessment of countries or parts thereof. unless identified in accordance with this article as presenting a high risk , countries shall be considered as presenting a standard risk. the commission may identify countries or parts thereof that present a high risk of producing relevant commodities or products that are not compliant with article 3 , point (a). the list of the countries or parts thereof that present a high risk shall be published by means of implementing act(s) to be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in article 34(2). that list shall be updated as necessary in light of new evidence. this process shall be developed in close dialogue with producer countries and with specific indications and timeline of when a review of the country’s high risk category can be envisaged.


### 2. the identification of low and high risk countries or parts thereof pursuant to paragraph 1 shall take into account information provided by the country concerned and be based on the following assessment criteria: ### 2. the identification of high risk countries or parts thereof pursuant to paragraph 1 shall take into account information provided by the country concerned as well as international organizations , civil society , and local and indigenous communities , and be based on the following assessment criteria:


### whether the country concerned has national or subnational laws in place , including in accordance with article 5 of the paris agreement , and takes effective enforcement measures to avoid and sanction activities leading to deforestation and forest degradation , and in particular whether sanctions of sufficient severity to deprive of the benefits accruing from deforestation or forest degradation are applied. ### whether the country concerned has national or subnational laws in place , including in accordance with article 5 of the paris agreement , , and the united nations declaration on the rights of indigenous peoples , and takes effective enforcement measures to avoid and sanction activities leading to deforestation and forest degradation , and in particular whether sanctions of sufficient severity to deprive of the benefits accruing from deforestation or forest degradation are applied.


### the consequences of its identification as a high or low risk country. ### the consequences of its identification as a high risk country.


### 1. the commission shall engage with producer countries concerned by this regulation to develop partnerships and cooperation to jointly address deforestation and forest degradation. such partnerships and cooperation mechanisms will focus on the conservation , restoration and sustainable use of forests , deforestation , forest degradation and the transition to sustainable commodity production , consumption processing and trade methods. partnerships and cooperation mechanisms may include structured dialogues , support programmes and actions , administrative arrangements and provisions in existing agreements or agreements that enable producer countries to make the transition to an agricultural production that facilitates the compliance of relevant commodities and products with the requirements of this regulation. such agreements and their effective implementation will be taken into account as part of the benchmarking under article 27 of this regulation. ### 1. the commission shall engage and work in partnership with producer countries concerned by this regulation , including those that are engaged in vpa flegt processes , to develop partnerships and cooperation to jointly address deforestation and forest degradation. such partnerships and cooperation mechanisms will focus on the conservation , restoration and sustainable use of forests , deforestation , forest degradation , stimulate stable and legal business environments , and the transition to sustainable commodity production , consumption processing and trade methods while also contributing to sustainable and inclusive economies and societies , with special attention to smallholders , indigenous people , and local communities. partnerships and cooperation mechanisms may include structured dialogues , including multi-stakeholder dialogues and collaboration , support programmes and actions , administrative arrangements and provisions in existing agreements or agreements that enable producer countries to make the transition to an agricultural production that facilitates the compliance of relevant commodities and products with the requirements of this regulation. in this regard , the involvement of relevant stakeholders such as smallholders , indigenous people and local communities will be particularly relevant. such agreements and their effective implementation will be taken into account as part of the benchmarking under article 27 of this regulation.


### 2. partnerships and cooperation should allow the full participation of all stakeholders , including civil society , indigenous people , local communities and the private sector including , smes and smallholders. ### 2. partnerships and cooperation shall be provided with adequate financial resources and allow the full participation of all stakeholders , including civil society , indigenous people , local communities , with special attention to women and the most vulnerable groups , and the private sector including , smes and smallholders.


### 3. partnerships and cooperation shall promote the development of integrated land use planning processes , relevant legislations , fiscal incentives and other pertinent tools to improve forest and biodiversity conservation , sustainable management and restoration of forests , tackle the conversion of forests and vulnerable ecosystems to other land uses , optimise gains for the landscape , tenure security , agriculture productivity and competitiveness , transparent supply chains , strengthen the rights of forest dependent communities including smallholders , indigenous peoples and local communities , and ensure public access to forest management documents and other relevant information. ### 3. partnerships and cooperation shall promote the development of integrated land use planning processes , relevant legislations , fiscal incentives and other pertinent tools to improve forest and biodiversity conservation , sustainable management and restoration of forests , tackle the conversion of forests and vulnerable ecosystems to other land uses , optimise gains for the landscape , tenure security , agriculture productivity and competitiveness , greater food security , transparent supply chains , strengthen the rights of forest dependent communities including smallholders , indigenous peoples and local communities , and ensure public access to forest management documents and other relevant information. such partnerships may also include mechanisms to exchange with the demand-side all the necessary information that guarantees compliance with this regulation.


### 1. no later than two years after the entry into force , the commission shall carry out a first review of this regulation , and shall present a report to the european parliament and the council accompanied , if appropriate , by a legislative proposal. the report shall focus in particular on an evaluation of the need and the feasibility of extending the scope of this regulation to other ecosystems , including land with high carbon stocks and land with a high biodiversity value such as grasslands , peatlands and wetlands and further commodities. ### 1. no later than one year after the entry into force , the commission shall carry out a first review of this regulation , and shall present a report to the european parliament and the council accompanied , if appropriate , by a legislative proposal. the report shall focus in particular on an evaluation of the need and the feasibility of extending the scope of this regulation to goods and commodities containing goods and commodities covered by this regulation , other ecosystems , including land with high carbon stocks and land with a high biodiversity value such as grasslands , peatlands and wetlands and further commodities.


### the impact of the regulation on farmers , in particular smallholders , indigenous peoples and local communities and the possible need for additional support for the transition to sustainable supply chains. ### the impact of the regulation on farmers , in particular smallholders , indigenous peoples and local communities and the possible need for additional support for the transition to sustainable supply chains and for smallholders to comply with the requirements of this regulation.


### 3. country of production and all plots of land of production , including geo-localisation coordinates , latitude and longitude. where a product or commodity contains materials , ingredients or components produced in different plots of land , the geo-location coordinates of all different plots of land shall be included; ### 3. country of production and all plots of land of production , including geo-localisation coordinates , latitude and longitude. where a product or commodity contains or might contain materials , ingredients or components produced in different plots of land , the geo-location coordinates of all different plots of land shall be included;


### 5. without prejudice to the operators’ obligation to exercise due diligence as set out in article 8 , member states may provide technical and other assistance and guidance to operators , taking into account the situation of smes , in order to facilitate compliance with the requirements of this regulation. ### 5. without prejudice to the operators’ obligation to exercise due diligence as set out in article 8 , member states may provide technical and other assistance and guidance , as well as commodity-specific guidance to operators , taking into account the situation of smes , in order to facilitate compliance with the requirements of this regulation.


### 7. the suspensions referred to in paragraph 6 shall end within 3 working days unless the competent authorities , based on the result of the checks conducted within that period , conclude that they require additional time to establish whether the relevant commodities and products comply with the requirements of this regulation. in such case , the competent authorities shall extend the period of suspension by means of additional interim measures taken under article 21 or , in the case of relevant commodities or products entering or leaving the union market , by notifying the customs authorities of the need to maintain the suspension under article 24(6). ### 7. the suspensions referred to in paragraph 6 shall end within 3 working days , starting from the date of check when a high risk of non-conformity in the commodities or product is identified in the register , unless the competent authorities , based on the outcome of the checks carried out within that period , conclude that they need more time to determine whether the relevant commodities and derived products comply with the requirements of this regulation. in such case , the competent authorities shall extend the period of suspension by means of additional interim measures taken under article 21 or , in the case of relevant commodities or products entering or leaving the union market , by notifying the customs authorities of the need to maintain the suspension under article 24(6).


### 8. competent authorities shall exchange information on and coordinate the development and application of the risk criteria referred to in paragraph 3 with competent authorities of other member states and with the commission , in order to improve the effectiveness of the enforcement of this regulation. ### 8. competent authorities shall exchange information on and coordinate the development and application of the risk criteria referred to in paragraph 3 with competent authorities of other member states , with the commission and with customs authorities , in order to improve the effectiveness of the enforcement of this regulation.


### 13. the competent authorities shall keep records of the checks indicating in particular their nature and results , as well as on the measures taken in case of non-compliance. records of all checks shall be kept for at least 5 years. ### 13. the competent authorities shall keep records of the checks indicating in particular their nature and results , as well as on the measures taken in case of non-compliance. records of all checks shall be kept for at least 10 years.


### any technical and scientific means adequate to determine whether the relevant commodity or product are deforestation-free , including earth observation data such as from copernicus programme and tools , and ### deleted


### examination of documentation and records that demonstrate the compliance with article 6(2); ### examination of documentation and records that demonstrate the compliance with article 6(2) , (3) and (4).


### 5. at the request of a competent authority , member states shall provide to it the necessary information to ensure compliance with this regulation. ### 5. at the request of a competent authority , member states shall provide to it , without undue delay , the necessary information to ensure compliance with this regulation.


### 2. the commission services shall make publicly available , on an annual basis , a union-wide overview of the application of this regulation based on the data submitted by the member states under paragraph 1. ### 2. the commission services shall make publicly available , on an annual basis , a union-wide overview of the application of this regulation based on the data submitted by the member states under paragraph 1. where appropriate , and in order to promote the effective implementation of this regulation , the commission shall make recommendations with a view to encouraging the harmonisation of sanctions between member states.


### proposal for a ### proposal for a


### cattle ### ex 0102 live cattle ex 0201 meat of cattle , fresh or chilled ex 0202 meat of cattle , frozen ex 0206 10 edible offal of cattle , fresh or chilled ex 0206 22 edible cattle livers , frozen ex 0206 29 edible cattle offal (excluding tongues and livers) , frozen ex 4101 raw hides and skins of cattle (fresh , or salted , dried , limed , pickled or otherwise preserved , but not tanned , parchment-dressed or further prepared) , whether or not dehaired or split ex 4104 tanned or crust hides and skins of cattle , without hair on , whether or not split , but not further prepared ex 4107 leather of cattle , further prepared after tanning or crusting , including parchment-dressed leather , without hair on , whether or not split


### (17) this regulation should also respond to the 2021 glasgow leaders’ declaration on forests and land use37 that recognises that “to meet our land use , climate , biodiversity and sustainable development goals , both globally and nationally , will require transformative further action in the interconnected areas of sustainable production and consumption; infrastructure development; trade , finance and investment; and support for smallholders , indigenous peoples , and local communities”. the signatories also stressed in that declaration that they will strengthen their shared efforts to facilitate trade and development policies , internationally and domestically , that promotes sustainable development and sustainable commodity production and consumption , that work to countries’ mutual benefit , and that do not drive deforestation and land degradation. ### (17) this regulation should also respond to the 2021 glasgow leaders’ declaration on forests and land use37 that recognises that “to meet our land use , climate , biodiversity and sustainable development goals , both globally and nationally , will require transformative further action in the interconnected areas of sustainable production and consumption; infrastructure development; trade , finance and investment; and support for smallholders , indigenous peoples , and local communities”. the signatories also stressed in that declaration that they will strengthen their shared efforts to facilitate trade and development policies , internationally and domestically , that promotes sustainable development and sustainable commodity production and consumption , that work to countries’ mutual benefit , recognise the rights of indigenous peoples , as well as local communities , in accordance with relevant national legislation and international instruments , and that do not drive deforestation and land degradation.


### (46) the risk of non-compliant commodities and products being placed on the union market varies depending on the commodity and product as well as on its country of origin and production. operators sourcing commodities and products from countries or parts thereof that present a low risk of growing , harvesting or producing relevant commodities in violation of this regulation should be subject to fewer obligations , thereby reducing compliance costs and administrative burden. commodities and products from high-risk countries or parts thereof should be subject to enhanced scrutiny by the competent authorities. ### (46) the risk of non-compliant commodities and products being placed on the union market varies depending on the commodity and product as well as on its country of origin and production. commodities and products from high-risk countries or parts thereof should be subject to enhanced scrutiny by the competent authorities.


### 2. paragraph 1 shall not apply to eba beneficiary countries , nor shall it apply to countries with a share for the relevant products referred to in paragraph 1 not exceeding 6 % of total union imports of the same products. ### 2. paragraph 1 shall not apply to countries with a share for the relevant products referred to in paragraph 1 not exceeding 6 % of total union imports of the same products.


### it gives a binding undertaking to maintain ratification of the relevant conventions and to ensure the effective implementation thereof , accompanied by a plan of action for the effective implementation of the relevant conventions; ### it gives a binding undertaking to maintain ratification of the relevant conventions and to ensure the effective implementation thereof , accompanied by a public plan of action for the effective implementation of the relevant conventions;


### the commission considers , based on examination of the request , that the requesting country fulfils the conditions laid down in article 9. ### the commission considers , based on examination of the request , including but not limited to the plan of action , that the requesting country fulfils the conditions laid down in article 9.