Don’t Lose the Forest for the Trees: A Guide to 🌳EUDR🌳Compliance
- Arne Mielken
- 3 days ago
- 4 min read
EUDR compliance doesn’t have to be a forest of paperwork. Get clarity, tips, and support to navigate the EU’s deforestation rules!
In a Nutshell:The EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) is here to ensure that seven key commodities—and their derivatives—entering the EU market don’t contribute to deforestation. Adopted in December 2022, it came into force on June 29, 2023, but the compliance deadlines were extended: now, large operators have until December 30, 2025, and SMEs have until June 30, 2026. Operators and traders must identify relevant goods, gather geolocation data, and issue due diligence statements. Fortunately, SME traders have certain simplifications in place. But, as the German saying goes, “den Wald vor lauter Bäumen nicht sehen”—don’t lose the forest for the trees. With clear guidance and good planning, EUDR compliance isn’t a monster in the woods, but a manageable task that helps protect our global forests. |
What Is the EUDR?
The EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) is part of the EU’s Green Deal to ensure that products entering its market don’t contribute to deforestation or forest degradation. If you’re an operator or trader of certain goods, it’s essential to understand this regulation and how it applies to you. The law requires businesses to trace the origin of specific commodities, confirm they were produced sustainably, and provide the EU with proof that they comply.
Which Commodities Are Covered?
The EUDR covers seven core commodities (and their derivatives):
Cattle (beef & leather)
Oil Palm (and palm oil products)
Soy (beans, meal, oil)
Cocoa (& chocolate)
Coffee (& roasted grounds)
Rubber (natural rubber products)
Wood (timber, furniture, paper)
Additionally, derived products like glycerol, palm-kernel cake, and printed paper are also regulated. If you deal with any of these, understanding EUDR is crucial.
Revised Timeline: A Growing Tree
Here’s a quick glance at the revised deadlines:
Adoption: December 2022
In Force: June 29, 2023
Original Compliance Date: December 30, 2024 (now extended)
Revised Compliance Dates:
Large operators/traders: December 30, 2025
SMEs (micro & small enterprises): June 30, 2026
This delay was granted to ensure businesses have enough time to implement proper systems without feeling like they need to plant an entire forest in a day.
Understanding Operators vs. Traders
It’s essential to distinguish between EUDR operators and traders, as compliance responsibilities vary significantly:
EUDR Operators are the companies that directly deal with commodities, either producing, importing, or processing them.
EUDR Traders, on the other hand, buy and sell these goods without altering their form. Their responsibilities are slightly different, with simplified obligations if they fall into the SME category.
Here’s why it matters:
Operators must ensure that the goods they deal with meet sustainability requirements, trace their origin, and carry out due diligence.
Traders may not be responsible for the sourcing process directly but still need to collect information, issue due diligence statements, and maintain records for inspection.
SMEs are given relief—such as reduced data thresholds and simpler documentation requirements—especially in the case of low-risk commodities. The catch is, SMEs must understand their obligations clearly to take full advantage of these simplifications.
Exceptions: Not Every EUDR Shipment May Be Concerned
While the EUDR covers a lot of ground, there are exceptions where certain groups or commodities are not affected. Be sure to check if your products fall under these exceptions, or you might miss key compliance steps.
Don’t Lose the Forest for the Trees
As the German saying goes, “den Wald vor lauter Bäumen nicht sehen”—it means “not seeing the forest because of all the trees.” In other words, don’t get so bogged down in the minutiae of each individual product and paperwork that you miss the bigger picture: EUDR aims to protect global forests, and compliance is all about helping you support this goal.
By breaking it down, understanding your role, and acting step-by-step, EUDR doesn’t have to feel like a giant forest blocking your way. With the right guidance, the trees will clear, and you’ll see the pathway forward clearly.
Live Expert Training: How To Master EUDR For Import and Export
To make sure you’re growing in the right direction, consider joining our Mastering EUDR for Import and Export training course:
Live, 4-hour session
Runs monthly
In-depth coverage of EUDR regulations, geolocation data, due diligence, and risk assessment
Book your spot now at www.customsmanager.org/events and get your business ready for compliance.
No Time For EUDR compliance? Get Up To Speed NOW in under One Hour
And if you're pressed for time, our on demand EUDR webinar package offers the same resources in a more condensed format. Accessible now - 60 minutes packed with great content to help you and your teams make sense of EUDR. Buy once and just immediately for your entire team. Check it out at www.customsmanager.org/shop.
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With the right tools and knowledge, EUDR compliance won’t be a dense forest of paperwork—it will be a manageable, growth-oriented process. Get started today, and let’s protect the planet, one product at a time! 🌳