All children’s books must be safe for EU consumers

All books sold in the EU should be limited in their impact on deforestation and forest degradation

The European Union’s Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), has undergone a long and evolving legislative journey. In December 2025, that journey reached an important turning point. Following agreement between the European Commission, Council, and Parliament, the European Parliament ratified a set of amendments that delayed implementation of the Regulation to December 2026, and most notably for the publishing industry, removed “printed books, newspapers, pictures and other products of the printing industry, manuscripts, typescripts and plans, of paper” from the scope of EUDR.

For much of the book industry, it seems the response was one of relief. While mechanisms to support compliance such as updates to ONIX had been developed well ahead of the original deadlines, many publishers, printers, and distributors were still grappling with how to operationalize EUDR requirements across complex global supply chains. The exclusion of printed books eased an immediate regulatory burden and acknowledged longstanding concerns that book publishing is often poorly understood within broader regulatory frameworks.

At the same time, this amendment does not render obsolete the work done to-date. The EUDR amendments include a requirement for the European Commission to conduct a further simplification review by April 30, 2026, and future policy shifts could revisit the scope of the Regulation. In addition, pulp, paper, and stationery products commonly traded by publishing organizations remain subject to EUDR, meaning that many parts of the wider publishing ecosystem continue to be affected.

More broadly, the EUDR experience surfaced lessons that extend well beyond this specific regulation. The past several years have underscored the growing role of non-monetary trade barriers: regulatory requirements that can materially affect market access without taking the form of tariffs. Alongside EUDR, regulations such as the European Accessibility Act (EAA) and the General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR) illustrate how policy changes can reshape operational expectations for publishers exporting to the EU.

These resources stand as both a record and a resource: documenting how the industry mobilized, collaborated, and responded; highlighting the importance of early engagement, shared infrastructure, and trusted intermediaries; and reinforcing the need for ongoing monitoring of policy developments in key markets. Leadership and coordination from organizations such as EDItEUR, GBA, BookNet Canada, BIC, BISG, Livres Canada Books, and national and international publishing and bookselling associations continue to play a critical role in building practical tools and shared understanding across the supply chain.

Finally, EUDR raised a question that remains relevant even in the absence of immediate compliance obligations: how does the publishing industry demonstrate its commitment to responsible sourcing and sustainability? Regulatory exceptions like those related to copyright, tax status, tariffs, or now EUDR are granted, not guaranteed. Market expectations, consumer scrutiny, and policy priorities will continue to evolve.

For these reasons, the insights, frameworks, and lessons from industry preparation for EUDR compliance remain valuable. Should EUDR or a similar regulation re-enter the publishing landscape in the future, these resources offer a foundation that publishers can return to, adapt, and build upon.

The EUDR Amendment can be viewed here: Regulation - EU - 2025/2650 - EN - EUR-Lex.

Companies selling books in the EU must disclose information about their environmental, social, and governance (ESG) impacts

All books sold in the EU must be accessible

All books sold in the EU must minimize packaging quantities and waste generated

All books must be safe for EU consumers

Book consumers may claim compensation for damages caused by defective products

EU consumers may make genuinely informed sustainable choices by combating greenwashing, and bans vague environmental claims such as “eco-friendly”, “green” or “climate-neutral” unless supported by recognized and verifiable evidence.

Companies selling books in the EU must exhibit sustainable and responsible behaviour in their operations and across their global value chains

All books sold in the EU must adhere to performance and information rules (AKA ‘ecodesign requirements’)

Ensures a higher degree of competition in European digital markets by preventing large companies from abusing their market power

All books containing batteries and electronics sold in the EU must minimize the creation of electronic waste (e-waste) and consider the handling of created e-waste at the product’s end-of-life

Creates a safer, fairer, and more transparent online environment