BRUSSELS, Belgium — Soluble coffee is included in the European Commission’s draft update to the scope of the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), published today as part of its Simplification Review. The European Coffee Federation (ECF) considers this an important step towards a more coherent and workable framework for the sector.
Soluble coffee is produced directly from green coffee, which is already covered by the EUDR. Its inclusion would ensure consistent treatment within the same product category and contribute to a more level playing field within the internal market.
The draft delegated act amending Annex I adds soluble coffee (CN 2101 11 00) to the scope of the Regulation, addressing an inconsistency in the original framework whereby EU-produced instant coffee was subject to due diligence requirements, while certain imported finished products were not covered. ECF has consistently raised this issue with EU policymakers since 2023.
“Including soluble coffee in the scope would support fair competitive conditions within the internal market and reinforce the Regulation’s environmental integrity,” said Eileen Gordon-Laity, Secretary General of the European Coffee Federation. “Aligning requirements across coffee categories is essential for both the effective implementation of the Regulation and for operators preparing for compliance ahead of the application date.”
The inclusion is also relevant from an environmental perspective. Producing 1 kg of soluble coffee requires approximately 2.6 kg of green coffee, compared to 1.19 kg for roasted coffee.
The EU produces around 280,000 tonnes of soluble coffee annually, with key production hubs in Germany, Spain, and Italy.
The European Coffee Federation (ECF) is the voice of Europe’s coffee trade and industry, representing around 90% of coffee imported and processed in the EU.
Founded in 1981, ECF brings together the full European coffee value chain, from green coffee traders and roasters to soluble coffee manufacturers, decaffeinators and warehousekeepers. The Federation counts 16 national associations and 47 company members, representing more than 750 companies across Europe. Together, ECF members handle an estimated 2.7 million tonnes of coffee annually, equivalent to around 40 million 60-kg bags.
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