Companies that fail to meet Ireland's Deforestation Regulations could be fined up to 10 million euros

Amid the broader implementation of the EU’s Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), Ireland has published its own proposals outlining offences, penalties and enforcement powers supporting the regulation.

Under the region’s proposals, as part of the ‘General Scheme for the Deforestation and Forest Degradation Bill 2026’, businesses could face fines of up to 10 million euros or 4 percent of their EU-wide turnover for the preceding financial year, alongside potential imprisonment of up to three years for certain offences. Authorities could also prohibit products from being placed on the market or exported, seize goods and require corrective action.

With the first compliance deadline of December 30, 2026, approaching, the EUDR covers commodities including wood, rubber, soya, cocoa, coffee, cattle and palm oil, as well as products made from them. The region's rules require in-scope products to be deforestation-free, produced in line with the relevant legislation of their origin country and covered by a due diligence statement or declaration, with records to be retained for at least five years.

The implications also extend to UK businesses trading with Northern Ireland. The UK government confirmed in July that the EUDR will apply in Northern Ireland, while it will not apply in Great Britain. Businesses moving relevant products between the regions will need to provide information allowing North Irish clients to meet the regulations.

The government has said it intends to introduce separate deforestation regulations for Great Britain, with the aim of keeping aspects of the scope and information requirements largely aligned with the EUDR. Large and medium-sized businesses face the December 30, 2026 deadline, while certain smaller businesses have later deadlines in 2027.