Britain plans stricter import rules requiring businesses to prevent illegal deforestation in supply chains linked to global commodities.
Under the proposed framework, companies importing commodities commonly linked to forest destruction, including cocoa, coffee, soy and rubber, will be required to demonstrate that their supply chains are free from illegally cleared land.
Officials said the initiative will involve mandatory due diligence obligations for businesses, ensuring firms take greater responsibility for tracing the origins of goods entering the UK market. The government intends to engage with industry stakeholders and international partners before finalising the regulations.
The announcement is expected to form part of discussions during London Climate Action Week, where policymakers, environmental groups and business leaders are gathering to address climate-related challenges.
The new measures will be implemented through powers contained in the Environment Act and will be complemented by updated legislation designed to strengthen existing controls on timber imports.
Although forest loss within the UK remains limited, research conducted by the University of York found that the overwhelming majority of deforestation linked to British consumption takes place overseas, highlighting the global environmental footprint of imported goods.
Government figures indicate that agricultural expansion remains the leading cause of deforestation worldwide, accounting for roughly nine out of every ten hectares of forest cleared. Much of this activity is associated with the production of commodities traded across international markets.
Data released by officials showed that UK demand for these products was connected to approximately 29,000 hectares of forest loss globally in 2023, generating an estimated 9.4 million metric tonnes of carbon emissions.
Ministers say the proposed rules are intended to help reduce the environmental impact of British consumption while encouraging more sustainable and transparent supply chains worldwide.