Germany and Ireland set criminal penalties for deforestation rule breaches while Portugal has no enforcement law

The EU deforestation regulation applies from 30 December to coffee, cocoa, soy, palm oil, rubber, cattle, timber and derived products, but each member state sets its own penalties. Germany's draft law foresees prison of up to five years, and Ireland's outline scheme up to three, with possible personal liability for managers. Portugal has published no implementing law and designated no authorities beyond forestry for timber. Penalties will spread through supply-chain contracts, reaching Portuguese exporters selling to German clients. The piece urges Portugal to name authorities, set proportionate sanctions, guide small firms and coordinate port checks with Spain.