The EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) aims to reduce the EU’s contribution to global deforestation and climate change by enforcing strict due diligence requirements on companies that import or export key commodities such as soy, beef, palm oil, timber, coffee, cocoa, and rubber — as well as products derived from them. Under the regulation, businesses must prove that their supply chains are deforestation-free and compliant with local laws on land use and human rights, using geolocation data to trace products back to their source.
Effective from December 2024 for large companies (and 2025 for smaller ones), the EUDR replaces the EU Timber Regulation and introduces potential fines, product seizures, or exclusion from public procurement for non-compliance. The law reflects the EU’s broader Green Deal goals and is driving global supply chain transparency, requiring suppliers and brands to strengthen traceability, risk assessments, and sustainability reporting across their sourcing networks.