What is EUDR?
The EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) is a European law aimed at eliminating deforestation and forest degradation from global supply chains. It requires companies placing certain commodities on, or exported from, the EU market to prove that products are:
- Deforestation-free (no land cleared after 31 Dec 2020)
- Legally produced (compliant with local laws)
- Traceable to origin (farm/plantation-level geolocation)
Why Does It Matter?
Companies in scope of the legislation must carry out due diligence to demonstrate that their products are not sourced from deforested areas.
If you fail to do this, you will be at risk of fines, product bans and reputational damage.
Who is in Scope?
- Operators: First to place products on the EU market or export them.
- Traders: Those who sell after products are already in the EU market.
- Applies to seven commodities and derived products:
- Cattle (beef, leather – derived products e.g. burgers, mince)
- Cocoa (derived products e.g. chocolate bars, confectionary)
- Coffee
- Palm oil
- Soy
- Rubber
- Wood (and paper products) (derived products e.g. books, toilet paper, furniture)
For the full list of commodities in scope, please see here.
Watch this video for a full explanation.
Key Deadlines
- Large & medium companies:
- CURRENT ENFORCEMENT DATE: 30 Dec 2025
- EXPECTED ENFORCEMENT DATE: Six-month grace period for enforcement (to 30 June 2026)
- Micro & small enterprises:
- CURRENT ENFORCEMENT DATE: 30 Jun 2026
- EXPECTED ENFORCEMENT DATE: 30 Dec 2026
CEO-Level Priorities
- Governance & Accountability: Assign board-level oversight for EUDR compliance. How can EUDR be incorporated sustainability and risk frameworks?
- Supplier Engagement: Ensure requirements are communicated early. Are you using the BRC’s standardised supplier questionnaire?
- Scenario Planning: Prepare for Northern Ireland uncertainty and potential UK alignment issues. Is your EUDR lead attending the BRC Sprint Group?
Get in touch
For any EUDR queries, please contact Sophie De Salis, BRC Sustainability Policy Advisor.
