DEADLINES for the European Union’s ban on the import of goods linked to deforestation are coming in surprisingly quick, with the majority of Australian beef needing to be compliant by the end of this year.

The legislation was due to come into effect at the end of last year, however, the EU delayed it due to a lack of clarity for both importers and exporters. Large importers will now be subject to the laws at the end of this year and smaller importers in the middle of next year.

Beef Central understands the overwhelming majority of Australian beef goes to importers who fit into the larger category.

The laws are likely to impact the Australian beef industry months before they come into effect in Europe. Cattle going into feedlots after July are likely to be delivered when the laws come into effect, considering days on feed and the boat journey.

Clarity on how the Australian industry is going to comply is still an issue. Cattle Australia says it is currently working with Integrity Systems Company to embed its Land Management Commitment into the LPA system, which producers can opt into.

The Land Management Commitment is Cattle Australia’s work it did last year to define deforestation and provide a framework for international requirements like the EUDR. It defines deforestation as the illegal clearing of land that meets forest thresholds.

Officials from the Federal Department of Agriculture told a senate estimates hearing in February that they had been advocating for Australia to be deemed a “low risk” country in the legislation.

Currently Australian beef and other commodities are deemed to be “high risk” and will need to be proven to be deforestation free before they are accepted.

The political landscape has changed in recent months, with Europe signalling that it is open to free trade agreement talks again. Beef Central understands deforestation was part of the reason an agreement was not struck last time.

Speaking at the recent Australian Meat Industry Council conference, AMIC’s manager of trade and technical affairs said the organisation’s advice has always beef that an FTA must not come with strings attached.

“There’s real benefit in it, but it needs to be substantive, real access that does not come with strings attached,” Mr Munsie said.

Australian trade minister Don Farrell recently confirmed that talks with the EU will resume after next week’s election.