Part of the European Green Deal, the Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) went into force on June 29, 2023. Effective December 30, 2025, the regulations will apply to large and medium-sized companies, and to micro and small enterprises effective June 30, 2026.
For those who remain unprepared, there’s still time to get ready for the new requirements.
The EU government aims to safeguard natural resources and prevent global deforestation and forest degradation. The objective is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and biodiversity loss while encouraging companies worldwide to commit to creating a better future.
The EUDR will prohibit the importation into the EU of products and animals produced or bred with EUDR-sourced commodities from deforested lands, as well as the exportation of such products and animals from the EU.
The EUDR scope covers commodities such as :
- Cattle
- Palm oil
- Soy
- Coffee
- Cocoa
- Wood
- Rubber
- Certain products made of or containing those commodities, including beef, furniture, chocolate, tires or gaskets.
Affected EU companies (importers, exporters and EU traders dealing with the impacted commodities or products) will have to perform due diligence before importing or exporting any goods in scope. They will be required to prove that the goods are deforestation-free and produced in accordance with the relevant legislation of the country of production (i.e., labor, environmental, human rights regulations, etc.).
This involves the gathering of key information, carrying out a risk assessment and dealing with the risks identified. Only when the risk is at an acceptable level will the operator be able to submit, via the EU Due Diligence Registry, the Due Diligence Statement (DDS) allowing the import, sale or export of the products.
For more details, please visit:
Regulation on Deforestation-free products – European Commission
Deforestation Regulation implementation – European Commission