The EU Deforestation Regulation (EU) 2023/1115 (EUDR) represents a paradigm shift for all companies operating within agricultural and forest product supply chains. Access to the European market will depend on documented proof that products are free from deforestation and forest degradation. This introduces direct responsibilities for producers, importers, and economic operators, with inspections and penalties applying under the implementation timeline established by the Regulation.
What Does the EUDR Require?
The EUDR applies to seven key commodities: cocoa, coffee, soy, palm oil, wood, rubber, and cattle, including their derived products (such as leather, furniture, paper, chocolate, and vegetable oils).
The Regulation introduces the following key obligations:
- Mandatory Due Diligence: Every operator must implement a due diligence system to ensure that products do not originate from land that has been deforested or degraded after 31 December 2020.
- Geographical Traceability: Operators must obtain the precise geolocation of the plots of land where the relevant commodities were produced.
- Verification of Legality: Products must have been produced in compliance with the applicable laws of the country of production.
- EUDR Due Diligence Statement: Before placing products on the EU market or exporting them, operators must submit a due diligence statement through the EU Information System.
Companies will therefore need to demonstrate effective control over their supply chains through supplier assessments, audits, data collection, and compliant document management.
To facilitate compliance, the European Commission has made available:
- The EUDR Information System (TRACES): the online platform used to prepare and submit due diligence statements.
- Training Platform: virtual training sessions designed to assist operators in implementing the Regulation.
In addition, on 22 May 2025, the European Commission officially adopted the Implementing Regulation establishing the classification of countries (or regions within countries) according to their level of deforestation risk. This classification directly affects the due diligence requirements applicable to operators sourcing from those areas.
The Commission is also working on a package of simplification measures and additional implementation guidance following the agreement reached by the EU co-legislators in December. These initiatives aim to provide greater clarity for businesses, Member States, third countries, and other stakeholders while ensuring legal certainty and predictability.
The application of Regulation (EU) 2023/1115 has been officially postponed by 24 months compared with the original implementation date of 30 December 2024. The revised timeline is:
- Large companies: obligations apply from 30 December 2026.
- Micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs): obligations apply from 30 June 2027.
Despite the postponement, companies are strongly encouraged to begin assessing their supply chains and implementing the necessary compliance measures as early as possible to ensure readiness.
For further information, please contact your Cepra representative
Dott.ssa Giuliana Bonvicini g.bonvicini@ceprasrl.it