EUDR – EU Deforestation Regulation

Regulation (EU) 2023/1115 on the making available on the Union market and the export from the Union of certain commodities and products associated with deforestation and forest degradation (Deforestation Regulation)

Adopted Effective: 30/12/2025 EU-wide EU Regulation

Overview

The EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) requires companies to ensure that certain commodities and products placed on the EU market or exported from the EU have not contributed to deforestation or forest degradation. The cut-off date is 31 December 2020.

Who Is Affected?

The EUDR covers operators and traders:

  • Companies placing covered commodities or products on the EU market
  • Exporters of these goods from the EU
  • Both first placers and downstream traders are covered
  • SMEs have simplified due diligence and a longer transition period

Core Obligations

  1. Due diligence: Information collection, risk assessment, and risk mitigation
  2. Geolocation: Provision of geolocation coordinates of production plots
  3. Deforestation-free: Proof that products were not produced on land deforested after 31 December 2020
  4. Legality: Compliance with the laws of the country of production
  5. Traceability: Complete documentation of the supply chain
  6. Annual due diligence statements: Publication of due diligence statements

National Transposition

As an EU regulation, the EUDR applies directly:

  • Germany: BMEL (Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture) as the lead ministry
  • Austria: Competent authorities to be designated
  • Switzerland: Not directly affected but relevant for Swiss companies trading with the EU

Legal Sources

EUDR: Does it affect you?

Find out if and how this regulation affects your company – we're happy to advise you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which commodities fall under the EUDR?

Cattle, cocoa, coffee, oil palm, rubber, soya, and wood, as well as derived products such as leather, chocolate, furniture, paper, and tyres.

When does the EUDR apply?

For large operators from 30 December 2025, for SMEs from 30 June 2026. Application dates were postponed by 12 months.

What is the due diligence obligation under the EUDR?

Companies must collect information (including geolocation of production plots), conduct a risk assessment, and take risk mitigation measures where risks are identified.