New Rules against Deforestation. Do They Concern Your Company Too?

The European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) represents a major milestone in environmental protection. If your company trades in timber, coffee or for example furniture, new obligations await you in the area of tracking the origin of goods. We bring you an overview of everything essential.

What is EUDR and what is its goal?

EU Regulation 2023/1115 (European Deforestation Regulation) prohibits placing on the EU market products that are linked to deforestation or forest degradation. The main goal is to ensure that European consumption doesn't support the loss of forest areas worldwide.

The key date is 31st December 2020 – products originating from land deforested after this date may no longer be placed on the Union market.

Who do the new rules concern?

The regulation affects all companies (operators and traders) that place on the EU market, or export from it, these commodities and products made from them:

• Timber: Furniture, paper, cardboard, books, fuel.

• Cattle: Meat, leather.

• Cocoa and coffee: Including chocolate and extracts.

• Rubber: Tyres, seals, gloves.

• Soya and palm oil: Feed, biofuels, cosmetics.

Key obligations: Due Diligence System

For a company to be able to trade in goods, it must go through a so-called due diligence process, which consists of three steps:

1. Information collection: You must know the precise description of goods, quantity and above all geolocation coordinates of the land where the raw material was produced.

2. Risk assessment: Analysis of whether there's a risk of deforestation or violation of local laws in the given country.

3. Risk mitigation: If risk is identified, the company must adopt measures (e.g. audit, additional certification) that eliminate it.

Before placing goods on the market, the company must submit a Due Diligence Statement (DDS) through the pan-European information system.

When will EUDR come into force? (Updated deadlines)

The European Parliament approved this so companies have time to prepare for the technically demanding proof of origin. Current deadlines are:

• 30 December 2026: For large and medium-sized enterprises.

• 30 June 2027: For micro and small enterprises (SME).

What does this mean for you as a customer?

• assurance that printed materials and packaging don't support deforestation,

• compliance with current EU ecological and legislative requirements,

• minimum administration – we handle everything for you.

EUDR compliance can moreover be used as a competitive advantage in ESG, CSR and marketing communications.

How do we handle EUDR?

• we work with vetted paper suppliers,

• we record the origin and use of materials,

• we archive mandatory documentation according to EUDR,

• we prioritise recycled and FSC certified papers,

• we have established internal processes and a trained team.

Result when working with us?

You receive ecologically responsible printed materials and packaging, transparent material origin and no additional worries.