The EUDR (EU Deforestation Regulation, (EU) 2023/1115) is the EU's instrument for curbing deforestation: certain commodities may only be placed on the market if they are demonstrably free from deforestation. This places a significant data and traceability obligation on importers and manufacturers.
Which products are affected?
The EUDR focuses on seven key commodities and their derivatives:
- timber (and wood products, furniture, paper),
- soy,
- palm oil,
- coffee,
- cocoa,
- cattle (beef),
- rubber (and tyres).
If you import or manufacture from these — or from a product containing them — the EUDR may apply to you.
What must be demonstrated?
1. Deforestation-free: the commodity does not originate from land deforested after a defined cut-off date (31 December 2020). 2. Legality: production complies with the laws of the country of origin. 3. Due diligence: a due diligence statement and risk assessment.
The key: geolocation and supply-chain data
The EUDR requires geolocation data (the coordinates of the production plot) and traceability across the entire supply chain. This is the same kind of structured, demonstrable data that the ESPR/DPP and CBAM also call for — with a different focus.
Whoever organises their supplier and origin data once serves several obligations with it (EUDR, DPP, CBAM, EmpCo).
The importer's challenge
- The supply chain is often opaque (multiple tiers, national borders).
- Obtaining geolocation data from the producer can be difficult.
- The responsibility for documentation and the due diligence statement rests with the importer.
How to prepare
1. Product exposure: which of your imports fall under the EUDR? 2. Supplier data clause: request geolocation and proof of legality. 3. Supply-chain map: who sources from whom, and where. 4. Data structure: link the origin and due diligence data to the product (together with the DPP). 5. Due diligence process: risk assessment and statement.
From when does it apply?
After a 12-month postponement, the EUDR applies on the following currently-known timeline:
| Date | Who it affects |
|---|---|
| 30 Dec 2025 | Large and medium-sized companies |
| 30 Jun 2026 | Micro and small enterprises |
| 31 Dec 2020 | The "cut-off" date: deforestation after this excludes placing on the market |
Country risk benchmarking
The EUDR introduces a country risk benchmark (low / standard / high risk). The classification determines the depth of due diligence: a simplified check may suffice for a low-risk country, while a high-risk country requires stricter verification.
The due diligence statement (DDS) must be submitted to the EU TRACES system, and the resulting reference number travels with the product along the supply chain. That reference number is a natural connection point to the product's DPP: one identifier, multiple compliance proofs.
Frequently asked questions
Does it affect furniture manufacturers too?
If you use timber, yes — wood products fall within the scope of the EUDR.
Is it connected to the DPP?
The data discipline is shared; the origin and supply-chain data meets the DPP's due diligence fields.
Is it easier as an SME?
There may be proportionate simplifications, but the core obligation — due diligence — remains.
One supply chain, several regulations. ReadyPass helps you manage origin, due diligence and product data in a structured, authentic way.
Sources: EUDR (EU) 2023/1115; ESPR (EU) 2024/1781. For information only.
