Insight
The EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) is entering its main application phase in 2026, with large and medium-sized operators required to comply from 30 December 2026. For importers, the deadline means checking whether their products fall within the regulation, confirming supplier and traceability information, and putting the required due diligence process in place before the rules apply.
Businesses importing covered products into the EU will need more than standard shipping and customs documents. They may need information about where the relevant commodities were produced, production dates, geolocation data and evidence needed for the EUDR due diligence process.
What Is the EU Deforestation Regulation?
EU Deforestation Regulation or the EUDR Regulation (EU) 2023/1115 The regulation is designed to prevent products associated with deforestation and forest degradation from entering the EU market or being exported from the EU. Importers will need to do more than the commercial invoice and country of origin supplied by the supplier. The business may need documentation to prove where the relevant commodity was produced, when it was produced, if the production was compliant with applicable local laws and if the product meets the deforestation-free obligations of the regulation.
Which Products Fall Under EUDR?
The EU Deforestation rules (EUDR) applies to certain products listed in Annex I of the regulation. Importers should check the similar product classification & confirm if the goods they intend to import into the EU fall within the current scope of the EUDR. The scope has been updated during 2026, so organizations should use the latest EU requirements when checking their products, de-pending rather than earlier EUDR checklists. This is especially the case for products that are made from a combination of materials or that fall into different product groups. Businesses should verify the relevant CN code , EUDR scope and applicable due diligence requirements for the product before importing.
When Does EUDR Apply in 2026?
The main EUDR application date for large and medium-sized operators is 30 December 2026. Micro and small operators generally have until 30 June 2027, although micro and small operators already covered by the former EU Timber Regulation have the earlier 30 December 2026 date.
The December deadline therefore should not be treated as a single deadline for every business. Importers need to establish their company size, role in the supply chain and whether they were previously covered by the EU Timber Regulation.
What Must Importers Check Before Importing?
The first step is to determine exactly what product is being imported and whether it falls within EUDR. Once the product is confirmed as relevant, the importer needs to establish the supply chain information required by the regulation.
For relevant products, operators must collect information and supporting evidence covering matters such as the commodity, quantity, country of production, production date or time range and the geolocation of the land where the relevant commodity was produced. Wood products also have additional requirements concerning the scientific names of tree species.
This means an importer may need information from suppliers much further upstream than its immediate seller. A simple statement such as “made in Brazil” or “sourced from Indonesia” may not provide the level of traceability required for the relevant product.
How Does EUDR Due Diligence Work?
EUDR due diligence consists of three main elements: collecting the required information, assessing the risk and mitigating the risk where necessary. Operators must complete the required due diligence before placing relevant products on the EU market or exporting them.
The information collected should allow the operator to determine whether the product complies with the regulation. If the available information identifies a risk that cannot be considered negligible, the operator must take appropriate risk-mitigation measures before the product can be placed on the EU market or exported.
What Should Importers Ask Their Suppliers For?
Before December 2026, importers should establish whether suppliers can provide the information needed for the relevant products. This can include product identification, commodity information, country of production, production dates, plot geolocation and supporting evidence concerning applicable local legislation.
For wood products, the required information can also include the common and scientific names of the relevant tree species.
The objective is not simply to collect a supplier declaration and store it. The importer needs a process for checking whether the information is complete, consistent and sufficient for the applicable EUDR role.
EUDR Risk Assessment and Risk Mitigation
After collecting the required information, an operator must assess the risk associated with the relevant product. The assessment considers the information gathered under the regulation and the circumstances surrounding production and supply.
The EU also has a country benchmarking system that classifies countries according to their deforestation risk. However, a country classification does not remove the need to understand the applicable EUDR requirements and maintain the required traceability information.
How Should Importers Prepare Before December 2026?
A useful preparation process is to start with the product catalogue rather than the paperwork. Identify every product that may fall within EUDR, verify its current classification and determine the company’s role in the supply chain.
Next, map the relevant suppliers and identify where the underlying commodities were produced. Request missing geolocation, production-date and supporting legal information early, particularly where several suppliers or production sites are involved.
Conclusion
The December 2026 EUDR deadline gives importers a clear reason to review their supply chains now. Businesses need to assess if their products fall under the scope of the regulation, what information they require from their suppliers, validate production and geolocation data, and establish the appropriate due diligence process. “We’d rather get these checks started sooner than later, to find any missing information and give suppliers time to get the records needed before the regulation takes effect.”
Did You Know?
By the end of September 2025, the European Commission’s EUDR online training programme had reached more than 20,000 stakeholders through 67 training sessions, helping businesses prepare for the regulation’s implementation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR)?
EUDR is an EU regulation that requires certain products placed on the EU market or exported from the EU to meet specific deforestation-free and due diligence requirements.
When does EUDR apply to importers?
For large and medium-sized operators, the main EUDR obligations apply from 30 December 2026. Certain micro and small operators have a later application date of 30 June 2027, subject to the applicable rules.
What information do importers need for EUDR compliance?
Depending on the product and the role of the operator, importers may need product details, country of production, production dates, geolocation data and supporting evidence for the due diligence process required.
What is an EUDR Due Diligence Statement?
A Due Diligence Statement is the declaration submitted through the EUDR Information System where required. It confirms that the required due diligence has been carried out for the relevant product.
How long must EUDR records be kept?
The required EUDR information and supporting records generally need to be retained for at least five years from the relevant placing-on-the-market or export date.
