FAQs

The EUDR was introduced to address environmental concerns, specifically deforestation and degradation of forests, which are critical for carbon storage, biodiversity, and climate regulation. It aims to promote sustainable trade practices and ensure that European consumption does not contribute to global deforestation.

The EUDR covers commodities that have a significant impact on deforestation, including palm oil, soy, beef, wood, cocoa, coffee, and rubber, among others. These commodities were selected based on their association with high deforestation rates.

Companies need to implement a due diligence system to ensure that the commodities they import and trade are not linked to deforestation or forest degradation. This includes:

• Proving legal acquisition and compliance with relevant country-of-origin laws.
• Ensuring traceability of the products back to their origin.
• Regularly assessing and mitigating deforestation risks in their supply chains.

Suppliers outside the EU who export covered commodities to the EU market must provide the necessary information and documentation to EU importers to enable them to comply with the due diligence requirements. This includes detailed records on the supply chain, legal compliance, and land use rights.operations.

Non-compliance can result in significant consequences, including fines, import bans, and reputational damage. Penalties are determined by individual EU member states and are designed to be proportional to the severity and nature of the non-compliance.

Businesses should start by assessing their supply chains to identify and address deforestation risks. Implementing robust tracking and monitoring systems, engaging with suppliers to ensure transparency, and obtaining certifications like FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) can also aid in compliance.

Yes, several tools and supports are available:

• TRST01Chain: Offers complete traceability and deforestation analysis for supply chains.
• Guidelines and Workshops: Offered by various organizations, including EU trade associations and private companies, to help businesses understand and implement the necessary compliance measures.

On December 6th, 2022, the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) was put into effect. Currently, companies are in a transitional period to adjust their practices and ensure they comply with the new regulations. The enforcement of these regulations is expected to begin on January 1st, 2025, after a transition period designed to allow businesses and stakeholders to adapt to the new requirements.

Importers and businesses importing commodities into the EU market are responsible for ensuring their supply chains are free from deforestation-related activities.

Certification is not mandatory under the EUDR, but sustainability certifications like the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) or the Sustainable Natural Rubber Initiative (SNR-i), other 3rd party agencies can facilitate compliance by providing evidence of meeting environmental and social standards.

Compliance will be monitored by designated authorities in each EU member state. These authorities are responsible for overseeing the implementation of due diligence systems, conducting audits, and enforcing the regulation

Detailed information can be found on the official European Union legislative websites, including guidance documents and resources for businesses. Additionally, trade associations and legal experts specializing in EU environmental regulations may offer in-depth insights and compliance assistance.