No decision yet on EUDR low risk status for Malaysian palm oil, benchmarking ongoing

to minimise the EU’s contribution to global deforestation and forest degradation. The first official list is expected by June 30, 2025. As a major producer of palm oil, rubber, timber, and cocoa, Malaysia may face trade restrictions under the EUDR, which mandates that seven key commodities: palm oil, rubber, timber, cocoa, cattle, soy, and coffee; and their derivatives — be deforestation-free, legally sourced, and supported by due diligence. Responding to persistent calls from Malaysian authorities, including the Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB), for low-risk recognition, he said the outcome of the EU’s assessment is still under discussion. “What is important to understand is that, by default, all countries are classified as standard risk, and only those with, for example, a very small palm oil industry may be considered low risk because it is easier to control, trace, and monitor. “If the country is small and there is little or no growth in the industry, making the risk of ...