December 22, 2025
Blog
The EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) is a transformative new law that links market access to sustainable sourcing. If you deal in cattle, cocoa, coffee, palm oil, soy, wood, or rubber—or products containing them—complying with the EUDR is mandatory for selling in the EU. This guide breaks down what you need to know and do.
The Core Rule: Zero Deforestation
In force since June 2023, the EUDR has a simple but strict core mandate: goods sold in the EU must not come from land deforested or degraded after 31 December 2020. It moves beyond voluntary certifications, requiring legally binding due diligence from all companies, with deadlines in late 2024 for large firms and mid-2025 for SMEs.
Your Three Key Obligations
Affected businesses must:
1. Ensure Traceability: Collect precise geolocation coordinates (latitude/longitude) of the farmland or plantation where your sourced commodities were grown. This “plot-level” traceability is a cornerstone of the law.
2. Conduct Due Diligence: Establish a system to verify that your products are deforestation-free and compliant with relevant local laws. You must assess and mitigate risks in your supply chain.
3. Submit a Declaration: Before placing goods on the EU market, you must file a formal “due diligence statement” through an EU portal, confirming compliance and providing your traceability data.
Building a Compliant Supply Chain: A Starter Plan
Achieving compliance requires a structured approach:
Map Your Supply Chain: Start by identifying all suppliers and sub-suppliers back to the origin of the raw materials. Full visibility is the non-negotiable first step.
Engage Suppliers Proactively: Communicate your EUDR requirements immediately. Collaborate to gather the necessary geolocation data and proof of sustainable land use. Building cooperative relationships is more effective than last-minute audits.
Leverage Technology: Consider tools like satellite monitoring services and supply chain traceability platforms to help verify geolocation data and monitor land-use changes over time.
Integrate Checks: Weave EUDR verification into your existing procurement and quality control processes to ensure ongoing compliance.
Conclusion
The EUDR presents a significant compliance challenge but also an opportunity to build a more transparent, resilient, and ethically sound supply chain. By starting your due diligence process now—mapping chains, engaging suppliers, and leveraging data—you can secure your future market access in the EU and meet the growing demand for responsible business practices.