Indonesia has asked Brussels to further delay its landmark deforestation law, adding to mounting pressure from EU governments that have demanded policymakers cut back “onerous” requirements on producers.

The controversial ban on products coming from deforested land being sold in the bloc has been heavily criticised by several of the EU’s trading partners including Brazil and the US, which argue it will damage small producers and make trade too expensive.

Muhammad Takdir, Indonesia’s deputy ambassador to the EU, said the law — which has already been delayed until the end of this year — should be further postponed to 2028 to allow more time to prepare, and that no fines should be charged in the intervening period. He also said revisions were needed, particularly for small farmers.