What does EUDR (EU Deforestation Regulation) mean?

The EUDR is part of the broader European climate and environmental agenda, including the Green Deal and Fit for 55. With this regulation, the EU aims to address deforestation and forest degradation associated with the production of goods entering Europe. By reducing deforestation, the EUDR contributes to biodiversity conservation, limiting global warming and encouraging sustainable production and consumption practices.

The EUDR succeeds the European Timber Regulation (EUTR), which has been in place since 2013 for imports of wood and wood products. The EUTR remains partially valid until 2027. After a vote in the European Parliament, it was decided that the EUDR will come into force on Dec. 30, 2025. The associated obligations have been delayed by one year to give companies more time to prepare and address technical and operational challenges.

More commodities are included under the EUDR than under the EUTR. This applies to products produced and exported within the EU as well as imported goods. The commodities covered under the EUDR are: cattle, oil palm, soy, cocoa, coffee, rubber and timber. Derived products such as leather, chocolate and furniture are also covered.

If you want to import, export or produce these relevant products or raw materials within the EU, you must comply with EUDR requirements. This applies to all businesses, large or small. As an economic operator, you have more responsibilities than a trader because you have to establish your own due diligence system. Traders can use their suppliers’ declarations.

In Annex 1 of European Regulation (EU) 2023/1115 you will find the complete list of raw materials, derived products and associated HS codes. Products not on this list are not covered by the EUDR, even if they contain components or elements that could be covered by the EUDR.

If you import EUDR goods, you must implement a due diligence system. This means you must be able to prove the origin of products legally and traceably. You collect data on origin, such as the geolocation where the product was grown, produced, processed, born or fed. In addition, you conduct risk analyses to determine whether the goods are contributing to deforestation or forest degradation. Any risks should be minimized so that the likelihood of trafficking illegal products is negligible.

For each shipment of EUDR products, you must prepare a due diligence statement, known in English as the Due Diligence Statement. You create this statement in the Deforestation Due Diligence Registry, a new feature within the existing TRACES system. A dashboard allows you to track the status of your applications and manage due diligence statements.

The NVWA monitors these regulations with inspections. The focus is on high-risk countries. For violations, you can expect a warning, measure or fine. If repeated, the consequences can become more serious, up to shutting down your business activities.

To remain competitive, it is important that you prepare for the requirements of the EUDR. Make sure you take timely measures and implement the regulations efficiently in your business processes. That way, you will be ready for the changes brought about by this new legislation.