The UK government has announced proposals for new legislation that would require businesses to prove their supply chains are not linked to illegal deforestation. The long-awaited regulation aims to close a gap in current environmental law by making companies responsible for forest-risk commodities they import or use. If enacted, the law would apply to products such as palm oil, soy, cocoa, and timber. Businesses would need to conduct due diligence and provide evidence that their supply chains are free from illegal deforestation. The proposal signals a shift toward mandatory rather than voluntary action on forest protection. For companies sourcing from high-risk regions, this means new compliance requirements and potential penalties for non-compliance. The regulation aligns with broader UK and EU efforts to reduce imported deforestation and could reshape supply chain practices in sectors like food, fashion, and construction.
