The entry into force of the deforestation regulation, which is part of the initiative of the Green Pact, was extended for one year, from a decision made by the European Union in December 2024, according to Daniel Bloemers, head of the Economic and Commercial Section of the European Union for Central America. This implies that this regulation will enter into force on December 30, 2025 for the large industries already end of June 2026 for small and medium enterprises.
Yolanda Mayora, sustainability manager of the Guatemalan Association of Exporters (AGEXPORT), said that this extension is positive, since he gives more time to exporters to prepare and comply with the regulations.
The deforestation regulation, approved in June 2023, establishes that agricultural and livestock products that are exported to that common market must meet certain standards and requirements that demonstrate that the area for cultivation was not deforested. Although traceability is required to European companies, it must be guaranteed from the origin, which is why countries that negotiate with the nations associated with the European Union must ensure to meet this requirement.
When complying with the regulations of this regulation within the period established by the European Union, Bloemers indicated that Central American producers could capture a significant part of the relevant market in that region. This, due to a “First Move Advantage”, which, according to, consists of positioning himself in advance.
Mayora argued that, in Guatemala, exporters are already preparing to meet all the requirements: “We hope to be ready to take advantage of the advantages of having agroforestry cocoa and coffee systems, unlike other countries that perhaps they will not be able to meet because they have deforested.”
Likewise, Marjorie Bosque, executive director of Grepalma, said they already have a complete preparation and that they seek to achieve 100% compliance with the regulation, with the aim that Guatemala continues to be competitive.
The challenge of entrepreneurs
In Guatemala, who face greater challenges are small entrepreneurs, according to Mayora. This is a common situation in several sectors worldwide, since one of the reasons for extending the entry into force of the regulation was precisely the challenges faced by small producers, according to Bloemers.
To support these producers, Mayora said that the State plays a key role in assistance to those who need it. As an example, he highlighted Anacafé, a state organization that has special programs to help small businesses. According to Mayora, Anacafé has georeferencing systems that could be used to attend those who need to be prepared. In addition, he mentioned that Agexport is working to support small coffee producers in the geolocation of their production plots.
“Consumers pay more and more attention to the elements of sustainability and quality,” said Bloemers, who added that, when preparing to comply with the regulations, the producing companies could position themselves as supplies of key products, among which are coffee, palm oil, rubber and cocoa.
According to Bloemers, there is a growing disposition by consumers to pay more for high quality coffee, especially by the one that has been produced sustainably and in accordance with local legislation.
For Sergio Mazariegos, coordinator of the Differentiated Cafés Committee, countries like Colombia do not have other types of trees in coffee plantations, while agroforestry systems predominate in Guatemala, which implies that, in addition to crop trees, additional tree species are available.
This – according to Mazariegos – represents an opportunity for Guatemala, since the country would have greater possibilities to export to Europe compared to those that operate under different systems.
Coffee and palm oil, en route to Europe
According to data provided by Grepalma, palm oil exports generated US $ 851.4 million during 2023. Forest stressed that georeferences have been implemented since Grepalma since 2019, as part of an internal non -deforestation agreement signed by all partners that same year. “That allowed our approach, aligned to sustainable practices, contribute to the fulfillment of the requirements of the different markets,” Forest said.
For its part, Mazariegos said that 26% of Guatemala coffee exports are allocated to the European market, which generated currencies for US $ 250 million. To maintain these figures, he indicated that analysis of the sector, the system and the applicable regulations have been carried out.
Mazariegos indicated that around 32,500 producers must have geolocation of their plots before the end of 2025, which represents one of the greatest challenges, according to their words.
He also stressed that a relevant point is that the majority of Guatemalan coffee that is exported to Europe has certification, which facilitates traceability in accordance with the norms and regulations. He added that any product that is addressed to Europe must comply with all laws and regulations in force in the country.
Future plans
The deforestation regulation is only one of the legislative components between the approximately 20 that make up the green pact, according to Bloemers, who added that proposals are currently being prepared to define what will be the next element to be addressed. Among the aforementioned issues, initiatives related to renewable energy, transport, environment and oceans are analyzed.
Likewise, Bloemers clarified that, after the entry into functions of the new Colegio de Commissioners, proposals for “Bus Regulations” are being evaluated, which – he explained – seek to expedite various normative frameworks simultaneously.