{"id":9815,"date":"2025-09-16T12:59:45","date_gmt":"2025-09-16T12:59:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/eudr.co\/?p=9815"},"modified":"2025-09-16T12:59:46","modified_gmt":"2025-09-16T12:59:46","slug":"eudr-traces-system","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/eudr.co\/de\/eudr-traces-system\/","title":{"rendered":"Understanding the EUDR Traces System for Compliance"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>The EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) has triggered a scramble among companies working with commodities like coffee, timber, cocoa, and soy. The regulation itself is dense, but if there\u2019s one system everyone dealing with EUDR needs to understand, it\u2019s Traces NT. If you don\u2019t know what that is or how to work with it, you\u2019re likely going to run into delays, blocked shipments, or worse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This guide lays it out clearly. Just what Traces NT is, why it matters, and how you actually interact with it in real-world scenarios.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What Is the Traces NT System?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Let\u2019s start simple. Traces NT (short for Trade Control and Expert System &#8211; New Technology) is the EU\u2019s official online platform for submitting Due Diligence Statements (DDS) under the EUDR. These statements are the proof that your product didn\u2019t come from recently deforested land and was legally sourced.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Now, it\u2019s not a brand-new platform. Traces NT existed before and was mainly used in the context of plant and animal health regulations. What the EU did was adapt and expand it to handle EUDR compliance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So if you\u2019re an operator placing regulated products on the EU market or exporting them from the EU, you\u2019ll be using Traces NT to upload DDS before your goods can move through customs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why You Can\u2019t Ignore Traces NT<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>This isn\u2019t just another checkbox on a compliance form. Traces NT is tied directly to customs enforcement. If your shipment lacks a valid DDS reference number in the system, it doesn\u2019t get through. Simple as that.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Even more, if the data you submit is incomplete or inaccurate, your company could face delays, audits, or financial penalties. That\u2019s why it\u2019s important to treat Traces NT as more than just a file upload tool.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Who Needs to Use It?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Understanding who\u2019s responsible for submitting what is one of the most common pain points. Here\u2019s how it breaks down:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Betreiber<\/strong>: These are the first entities placing the product on the EU market. They\u2019re responsible for submitting the DDS. This applies to both EU-based importers and non-EU exporters.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>H\u00e4ndler<\/strong>: If you&#8217;re a trader, you might not submit a DDS yourself, but you&#8217;re expected to <strong>verify<\/strong> that your suppliers have. You need to keep records and be audit-ready.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Regulatory authorities<\/strong>: Customs and competent authorities use Traces NT to check DDS validity, review documentation, and take enforcement actions if needed.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What You\u2019re Expected to Submit<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Every Due Diligence Statement submitted through Traces NT needs to include a core set of data. This is what makes the system operationally demanding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here\u2019s the essential data:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Operator details<\/strong>: Legal entity, contact info, business identifiers<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Product information<\/strong>: Harmonised System (HS) code, product type, volume, weight, etc.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Source commodity names<\/strong>: Both scientific and common names, where relevant<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Geolokalisierungsdaten<\/strong>: Exact coordinates showing where the raw material was grown or harvested<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Batch or shipment IDs<\/strong>: So the DDS links directly to what\u2019s being shipped<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>One of the toughest pieces is the geolocation data. You can\u2019t just say \u201cProduct of Brazil\u201d anymore. You need plot-level coordinates in GeoJSON format, with polygons or points showing precise origins.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/eudr.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/deforestation1-2-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-9805\" srcset=\"https:\/\/eudr.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/deforestation1-2-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/eudr.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/deforestation1-2-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/eudr.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/deforestation1-2-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/eudr.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/deforestation1-2-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/eudr.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/deforestation1-2-2048x1366.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/eudr.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/deforestation1-2-18x12.jpg 18w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Submission Process: Two Main Options<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Traces NT gives you two ways to submit DDS, and your choice depends on how complex your operations are.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Manual Submission via Web Interface<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If your company handles just a few shipments per year, the manual method might work. You\u2019ll enter all the details directly into the Traces NT platform, attach your geolocation file, and submit. But there are some caveats:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The system doesn\u2019t save past submissions<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>You have to enter everything from scratch every time<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It&#8217;s easy to make formatting mistakes with GeoJSON files<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. API Integration<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>For larger companies or anyone dealing with frequent shipments, API integration is the smarter move. The Traces NT API was originally not expected to be ready until 2028, but it&#8217;s already in place as of the end of 2024.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This lets your internal systems (like your ERP or compliance software) connect directly to Traces NT and push submissions automatically. It cuts down on human error and saves a lot of time, but it\u2019s still somewhat limited and may require custom development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What Traces NT Doesn&#8217;t Do<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>A lot of confusion comes from expecting too much from Traces NT. It\u2019s a submission system, not a due diligence engine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here\u2019s what it won\u2019t do:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>collect supplier data for you<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>validate the accuracy of your DDS<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>store broader due diligence documentation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>assess sourcing risk or flag high-risk areas<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>allow data sharing between you and your customers<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>So if you were hoping Traces NT would manage your compliance end-to-end, think again. You still need your own internal tools or third-party platforms to handle due diligence, supplier engagement, document storage, and risk assessment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Enforcement and Spot Checks<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Once your DDS is in Traces NT, customs officials and regulators use that reference number to verify your shipment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>They\u2019re mainly checking for two things:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Is there a valid DDS associated with this product?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Does the geolocation data raise any red flags?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Authorities can run risk assessments using your coordinates and decide whether to request further proof or even conduct a site-level audit. This is where incomplete or low-quality submissions can hurt you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Be prepared to back up your DDS with:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Ownership or land use documentation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Satellite imagery or maps proving no deforestation after Dec 31, 2020<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Supplier declarations or contracts<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Past records for the same origin location<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"434\" height=\"570\" src=\"https:\/\/eudr.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/eudr.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-9356\" style=\"width:85px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/eudr.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/eudr.png 434w, https:\/\/eudr.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/eudr-228x300.png 228w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 434px) 100vw, 434px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How Other Tools Connect to Traces NT<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>While Traces NT is the official platform for submitting Due Diligence Statements (DDS) under the EUDR, it isn\u2019t built to handle everything businesses need for full compliance. That\u2019s where tools like ours at <a href=\"https:\/\/eudr.co\/de\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">EUDR-Einhaltung<\/a> come in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We designed our platform to help companies stay ahead of the curve by simplifying and automating some of the most time-consuming parts of EUDR compliance. Traces NT is great for submission, but it doesn\u2019t give you much support for preparing the data, managing documentation, or coordinating across teams and suppliers. That\u2019s the gap we\u2019re focused on closing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Our system supports satellite-based deforestation monitoring, provides sustainability insights, and gives you a central place to organize your supply chain data before anything reaches the Traces interface. It\u2019s a smarter way to manage the reporting process and reduce the risk of delays, blocks, or compliance issues at the border.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What We Help With Before You Submit to Traces NT<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Here\u2019s how our solution fits into your broader compliance workflow:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>We help you gather and validate the documentation you\u2019ll need to support a DDS<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Our platform highlights key compliance requirements, including product classifications and commodity types<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>You can monitor sustainability performance and flag risks early, before you finalize your DDS<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>We centralize the compliance process so you can track everything in one place before submitting through Traces NT<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>We support all major EUDR-regulated commodities like coffee, cocoa, timber, palm oil, and cattle<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>We don\u2019t replace Traces NT. Instead, we make sure you&#8217;re fully prepared for it. You still need to submit your Due Diligence Statement directly to the official EU system, but with our help, you\u2019ll know that your data is complete, your sourcing is traceable, and your documentation is audit-ready.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In short, we\u2019re here to make EUDR compliance not just possible, but manageable. If you&#8217;re still relying on spreadsheets or scattered PDFs to piece together your DDS, there&#8217;s a better way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Some other platforms include:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Interu<\/strong>: Focused on supply chain traceability and geolocation management. Useful for companies needing to gather high-quality source data.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>TradeAware by LiveEO<\/strong>: Offers satellite analytics, automated risk detection, and one-click DDS submission via Traces NT API.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>TraceX<\/strong>: Helps companies digitize supplier info, collect on-the-ground data, generate DDS, and push it into Traces NT through integrated workflows.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>These tools aren\u2019t mandatory, but for most companies, using one is the only practical way to scale EUDR compliance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Common Issues Businesses Run Into<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Let\u2019s be honest. The regulation isn\u2019t simple, and the tools aren\u2019t perfect. These are some of the issues companies have already reported:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Unclear supplier responsibilities<\/strong>: Many companies don\u2019t know who upstream needs to submit what<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Poor geolocation quality<\/strong>: Small producers often don\u2019t have GPS tools or digital records<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Disconnected systems<\/strong>: Procurement, logistics, and sustainability teams all use different tools<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Lack of audit preparation<\/strong>: Companies submit DDS but can\u2019t back them up with documentation<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Solving these problems takes time and usually requires new workflows or systems to tie everything together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/eudr.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/deforestation8-1-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-9748\" srcset=\"https:\/\/eudr.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/deforestation8-1-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/eudr.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/deforestation8-1-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/eudr.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/deforestation8-1-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/eudr.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/deforestation8-1-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/eudr.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/deforestation8-1-2048x1536.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/eudr.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/deforestation8-1-16x12.jpg 16w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Tips to Make It Work Without Headaches<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Here\u2019s a short list of practical tips that might save you from major issues later:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Don\u2019t rely on your supplier\u2019s DDS<\/strong>. You still need to submit your own if you\u2019re an operator.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Check your geolocation data early<\/strong>. Waiting until the last minute creates unnecessary delays.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Test the platform before go-live<\/strong>. Get familiar with the manual interface or test API endpoints in a sandbox if available.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Keep records for 5 years<\/strong>. That\u2019s the retention requirement under EUDR.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Expect spot checks<\/strong>. If your sourcing areas are in high-risk regions, authorities will pay attention.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Final Thoughts<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Getting a DDS into Traces NT is just one step in EUDR compliance. It\u2019s a critical one, but it doesn\u2019t replace your due diligence responsibilities. Think of it as your interface with the EU, not your internal system of record.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To stay compliant, companies will need both: a reliable way to submit to Traces NT and a robust process for collecting, checking, and storing all the supporting data behind it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That\u2019s what keeps your shipments moving and your business on the right side of the regulation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">FAQ&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n<div id=\"rank-math-faq\" class=\"rank-math-block\">\n<div class=\"rank-math-list\">\n<div id=\"faq-question-1758027463185\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question\">Do I have to use Traces NT if my supplier already submitted a DDS?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer\">\n\n<p>Yes, if you\u2019re classified as an operator under the EUDR, you\u2019re responsible for submitting your own Due Diligence Statement, even if someone else upstream already submitted theirs. The regulation doesn\u2019t let you pass the responsibility along. You can reference their data, but the actual submission is still on you.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1758027493230\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question\">Is Traces NT the same thing as the Due Diligence Registry?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer\">\n\n<p>Not exactly. The Due Diligence Registry is the legal requirement under the regulation &#8211; it\u2019s the concept that all DDS data must be submitted and stored. Traces NT is the platform the EU built to actually handle that task. So you use Traces NT to meet the Due Diligence Registry obligation.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1758027502541\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question\">What if I make a mistake in my submission? Can I fix it later?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer\">\n\n<p>Traces NT doesn\u2019t currently support easy editing after submission, which makes it important to double-check everything before you hit send. If you realize there\u2019s an issue, you\u2019ll likely need to submit a new DDS or contact the relevant authority to resolve it. Not ideal, but better than letting wrong data slip through.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1758027512482\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question\">Do low-risk countries still require DDS submissions in Traces NT?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer\">\n\n<p>Yes, even if you\u2019re sourcing from a country considered low risk, you\u2019re still expected to submit a DDS through Traces NT. The difference is that the inspection rate might be lower, but the compliance obligation is the same.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) has triggered a scramble among companies working with commodities like coffee, timber, cocoa, and soy. The regulation itself is dense, but if there\u2019s one system everyone dealing with EUDR needs to understand, it\u2019s Traces NT. If you don\u2019t know what that is or how to work with it, you\u2019re likely [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":9792,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-9815","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blog"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/eudr.co\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9815","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/eudr.co\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/eudr.co\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/eudr.co\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/eudr.co\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=9815"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/eudr.co\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9815\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":9816,"href":"https:\/\/eudr.co\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9815\/revisions\/9816"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/eudr.co\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/9792"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/eudr.co\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=9815"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/eudr.co\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=9815"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/eudr.co\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=9815"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}