EUDR FAQ: A Practical Guide to the EU Deforestation Regulation

The EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) introduces new legal obligations for businesses importing or trading specific commodities within the European Union. It is a major step toward eliminating products linked to deforestation from the EU market and brings significant operational and compliance challenges.

This FAQ article is designed to help professionals, business owners, and decision-makers understand what EUDR is, how it works, and what actions are required to stay compliant. Whether you’re managing global supply chains or assessing legal exposure, this guide covers the essential facts, processes, tools, and timelines involved.

General Questions

The first section provides clarity on what the EUDR is, why it was introduced, and how it impacts businesses trading specific high-risk commodities.

What is the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR)?

The EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), formally known as Regulation (EU) 2023/1115, is a legally binding framework adopted by the European Union in June 2023. Its primary aim is to prevent the trade of products linked to deforestation or forest degradation on the EU market.

The regulation applies both to goods imported into and exported from the EU. Companies are required to ensure that regulated products meet three essential criteria:

• They must be deforestation-free (i.e., not produced on land deforested after 31 December 2020).
• Legally produced in accordance with the laws of the country of origin.
• Fully traceable back to the exact plot of land where they were grown or harvested.

EUDR replaces the earlier EU Timber Regulation (EUTR), significantly expanding its scope and legal requirements.

Why was the EUDR introduced?

The European Union is one of the world’s largest consumers of agricultural and forestry products. Its consumption patterns contribute to global deforestation, particularly in biodiversity-rich tropical regions.

The EUDR was introduced to address this environmental footprint. It is part of the EU’s Green Deal and supports broader goals like climate neutrality by 2050 and the preservation of biodiversity.

By mandating legally sourced, deforestation-free products, the regulation transforms environmental sustainability from a voluntary initiative into a compliance obligation, reshaping global trade practices in the process.

When does EUDR enforcement start?

EUDR enforcement is scheduled to begin in two phases, depending on company size:

• Large companies must comply by 30 December 2025.
• Small and micro-enterprises have until 30 June 2026 to meet the requirements.

Despite the staggered timeline, all businesses are encouraged to start preparing now due to the time and complexity involved in collecting data, assessing risks, and building compliant systems.

Is there a grace period or flexibility in EUDR deadlines?

No. The EUDR does not include a grace period once enforcement begins.

Large enterprises must comply by 30 December 2025, while small and micro-enterprises have a deadline of 30 June 2026. These dates are legally binding and represent the full entry into force of the regulation.

Although the staggered timeline allows smaller companies additional time, no exemptions or flexibility apply after these dates. Once the enforcement date arrives, only companies that have completed full due diligence and submitted valid DDS filings will be legally allowed to place products on or export from the EU market.

Businesses are therefore urged to treat the current pre-enforcement phase as a critical period for system testing, supplier outreach, and internal training. Delaying preparations until late 2025 risks non-compliance, shipment delays, or enforcement actions.

What commodities are covered?

The EUDR applies to specific agricultural and forestry commodities that are recognized as major drivers of global deforestation. These products are prioritized due to their high environmental impact and trade volume within the EU.

The regulation specifically targets the following seven high-risk commodities:

• Cattle.
• Cocoa.
• Coffee.
• Oil palm.
• Soy.
• Wood.
• Rubber.

In addition to the raw materials listed above, EUDR also applies to a wide range of derived and processed products that are made using these commodities. This ensures that deforestation-related risks are addressed throughout the entire value chain.

Examples of covered derivative products include:

• Leather and beef products.
• Chocolate and cocoa powder.
• Furniture, paper, and timber items.
• Processed palm oil goods and rubber-based products.

All regulated products are identified using the EU Combined Nomenclature (CN) codes listed in Annex I of the regulation. Only items falling within these specified CN codes are subject to EUDR compliance requirements. Businesses must review these codes carefully to determine whether their products are covered under the regulation.

What does “deforestation-free” mean under EUDR?

A product is considered deforestation-free if it was not produced on land that was deforested or subject to forest degradation after 31 December 2020. This applies even if such deforestation was legal in the country of origin.

The regulation defines deforestation broadly to include both complete forest clearing and partial degradation such as logging that disrupts forest structure, composition, or function.

This standard ensures uniform environmental protection across all sourcing countries, regardless of differing national regulations.

What exemptions or special cases does the EUDR allow for?

While the EUDR has a broad scope, several exemptions are provided to prevent overregulation and to allow for transitional flexibility.

1. Recycled products are generally exempt, provided they are made entirely from previously used materials. However, if any newly sourced EUDR-regulated raw materials are added during processing, the final product may fall under the scope of the regulation.
2. Packaging materials are excluded unless the packaging itself is a regulated product listed in Annex I. For example, cardboard made from wood pulp would be subject to EUDR if the specific CN code for that type of cardboard is covered.
3. Timber harvested before 29 June 2023 and placed on the EU market before 30 December 2025 is temporarily exempt. This exemption acts as a transitional buffer for existing stock.

Additionally, certain Combined Nomenclature codes in Annex I are marked with the prefix “ex,” which means that only a subcategory of the broader product group is covered. Businesses must review product classifications with precision to determine applicability.

In all cases, companies are advised to verify CN codes carefully and, if necessary, consult legal or customs experts to confirm whether an exemption applies.

Compliance and Due Diligence

This section outlines who must comply with EUDR and the exact steps businesses must take to meet legal obligations.

Who needs to comply with EUDR?

The EUDR applies to a broad range of supply chain participants involved in the import, export, and distribution of regulated commodities. Understanding your company’s legal role under the regulation is essential, as the type of actor determines the level of responsibility, especially when it comes to due diligence obligations and documentation.

The regulation applies to two types of supply chain actors:

• Operators: Entities that place regulated products on the EU market for the first time or export them from the EU. This includes importers, manufacturers, and large retailers.
• Traders: Businesses that handle or sell regulated products already placed on the market. These may include wholesalers, distributors, or online platforms.

Operators carry the primary responsibility for performing due diligence. Traders must keep records and may have to meet additional requirements if classified as large enterprises.

Does EUDR apply to small or micro-enterprises?

Yes, EUDR applies to companies of all sizes, including small and micro-enterprises, although obligations may differ depending on their legal role in the supply chain.

• Small and micro-enterprises that act as operators: Placing goods on the EU market or exporting them must fully comply with EUDR, including conducting due diligence and submitting DDS filings. However, they benefit from a later enforcement deadline of 30 June 2026.
• Small and micro-enterprises that act as traders: Dealing with products already on the market are not required to submit DDS but must retain relevant supplier documentation and confirm that the goods they handle are compliant. They are also expected to cooperate with national authorities during inspections or audits.

There are no exemptions from the regulation based on company size; all businesses must assess their role and prepare accordingly.

What are the core compliance requirements?

Compliance with the EUDR is not limited to general sustainability commitments – it involves fulfilling specific legal obligations. Companies must demonstrate, with verifiable evidence, that every shipment of regulated goods is deforestation-free, legally produced in accordance with the laws of the country of origin, and traceable to the specific plot of land where it was grown or harvested.

In addition, companies must submit a Due Diligence Statement (DDS) through the EU’s TRACES-NT platform before the goods can be placed on or exported from the EU market. These obligations apply per shipment and require consistent documentation and verification.

What is a Due Diligence Statement (DDS)?

The Due Diligence Statement (DDS) is a cornerstone of EUDR compliance. It represents the formal outcome of the entire due diligence process and acts as a legal guarantee that the product meets all regulatory requirements. Without a valid DDS, no regulated product can legally be placed on or exported from the EU market.

A DDS is a formal legal declaration required under Articles 4 and 5 of the EUDR. The statement confirms that:

• The product has been assessed using a structured due diligence process.
• The risk of non-compliance is negligible.
• All supporting documentation is complete and accurate.

Once submitted, the DDS becomes a legally binding confirmation and must be retained for five years for potential audit or inspection.

What does the due diligence process involve?

To comply with the EUDR, companies must conduct a structured due diligence process that ensures transparency, traceability, and legal integrity across their supply chains. This process is not a one-time exercise but a recurring obligation applied to every relevant shipment.

The due diligence process under EUDR includes three mandatory steps:

• Information collection: Gather data on product type, volume, supplier identity, production dates, and geolocation of origin.
• Risk assessment: Evaluate the risk that the product is linked to deforestation or legal violations based on supplier practices and sourcing regions.
• Risk mitigation: If the risk is not negligible, take corrective actions like third-party audits, site visits, or documentation upgrades before proceeding.

Each step must be documented and repeated with every new batch or shipment of regulated goods.

What are the most common challenges companies face during EUDR compliance?

Despite clear guidance, many companies encounter operational and logistical difficulties when trying to implement EUDR compliance.

The most common challenges include:

• Data collection from smallholders: Small farms may lack GPS tools, formal land titles, or internet access.
• Limited digital infrastructure: Rural regions may suffer from poor connectivity, affecting real-time data collection.
• High compliance costs: SMEs face financial barriers when investing in GIS tools, audits, and legal documentation.
• Complex supply chains: Multi-tier networks reduce visibility and increase traceability risk.
• Unclear land tenure: Legal ownership or land-use rights may be disputed or undocumented in some regions.

These issues can lead to delayed DDS filings, incomplete documentation, or blocked shipments.

How can companies overcome EUDR compliance barriers?

Overcoming the practical difficulties of EUDR compliance requires more than just meeting regulatory checklists. Businesses must adopt a proactive, strategic approach tailored to their specific supply chain realities. Especially for companies sourcing from high-risk regions or smallholders, the key to successful implementation lies in building capacity, simplifying processes, and leveraging digital infrastructure.

To manage compliance more effectively, businesses can apply a combination of practical and strategic solutions:

• Supplier training: Provide education on EUDR, GPS usage, and documentation practices.
• Standardized toolkits: Use pre-formatted templates for data collection, legal documents, and DDS reports.
• Third-party verification: Engage local NGOs or auditors to assess compliance in high-risk regions.
• Collaborative platforms: Use centralized systems like eudr.co to share data, manage risk, and file DDS statements.
• Early implementation: Begin compliance preparation before deadlines to identify and correct weak links in the supply chain.

Proactive planning improves data reliability and reduces risk during enforcement inspections.

Are third-party certifications (e.g., FSC, PEFC, RSPO, Rainforest Alliance) sufficient for EUDR compliance?

No. Certifications such as FSC, PEFC, RSPO, Rainforest Alliance, and similar schemes do not substitute the legal due diligence obligations required by the EUDR.

While these third-party certifications can support a company’s risk assessment process, they do not exempt operators from conducting and documenting the full EUDR due diligence process. Specifically, certifications cannot replace the need for:

• Geolocation data of production plots (WGS84 format).
• Verification of legal compliance in the country of origin.
• Deforestation-free assurance after 31 December 2020.
• Submission of a Due Diligence Statement (DDS) via the EU TRACES-NT platform.

These schemes can add value in assessing supplier credibility and environmental practices, but under Article 9 of the EUDR, the full legal responsibility remains with the operator or trader.

Companies must treat certifications as supplementary evidence only not as standalone compliance measures. Even fully certified suppliers require independent verification and data gathering to meet EUDR requirements.

What documentation must companies keep to prove EUDR compliance?

Under Article 9 of the EUDR, companies are required to retain all documentation related to due diligence and compliance for a minimum of five years. This includes both internal records and materials obtained from suppliers or third parties.

Mandatory documents include:

• Geolocation data: Precise coordinates (WGS84 format) of the land plots used in production.
• Production or harvest dates: Time-stamped data to verify alignment with the December 31, 2020 cutoff.
• Legal compliance documents: Land titles, permits, labor contracts, and environmental certificates.
• Risk assessment reports: Justifications for assigned risk levels, including sources and logic used.
• Mitigation evidence: Records of audits, supplier corrections, or satellite imagery reviews if risks were identified.
• The Due Diligence Statement (DDS): As submitted via TRACES-NT, along with any logs or version history.
• Supplier communications: Emails, contracts, or declarations that support traceability and legal sourcing.

These records must be stored in a format accessible for audits or investigations by competent national authorities. Companies should use secure, organized data storage systems, ideally with timestamped logs and backup protocols.

Failure to retain or provide this documentation can result in enforcement actions, even if the DDS was submitted correctly.

Who is responsible for EUDR compliance inside a company?

The legal responsibility for compliance lies with the “operator”, the entity placing goods on the EU market or exporting them.

However, operational responsibility is often distributed across departments, including:

• Procurement: Collects supplier and commodity data.
• Compliance or Legal: Assesses legal obligations and risk thresholds.
• Sustainability/ESG: Monitors deforestation status and evaluates certification credibility.
• IT/Technical: Manages GIS systems and DDS platform integrations.

Best practice includes appointing a central compliance coordinator or establishing a cross-functional EUDR team to ensure continuous documentation, updates, and responsiveness to risk alerts.

Traceability and Monitoring

Traceability is a core component of EUDR compliance. This section explains what data must be tracked and how.

What geolocation data is required?

Under the EUDR, traceability begins with precise information about where a commodity was produced. Geolocation data is not optional – it is the cornerstone of demonstrating deforestation-free sourcing and legal compliance. Businesses must ensure that their data systems can accurately capture and manage location-based evidence.

Businesses must provide plot-level geolocation coordinates for all commodities under EUDR. This includes:

• Exact latitude and longitude (WGS84 decimal degrees).
• Plot boundaries for larger farms or cooperatives.
• Date of harvest or production.
• Supplier identity and land size.

This spatial data is essential to prove that no deforestation occurred after the 2020 cutoff date.

How is remote monitoring done?

In the context of EUDR, remote monitoring plays a vital role in verifying that deforestation has not occurred on or near the land where commodities are produced. This approach allows businesses to validate supplier claims independently and at scale especially in regions where on-the-ground audits may be challenging or resource-intensive.

Remote monitoring involves using digital tools to track land-use changes and confirm deforestation-free sourcing.

Common tools include:

• Satellite imagery.
• GIS mapping platforms.
• AI-based alerts for unexpected deforestation.

These technologies help verify data from suppliers and can detect environmental risks in real time, even in hard-to-access regions.

What happens if a supplier cannot provide geolocation data?

Under the EUDR, geolocation data is not optional – it is a core legal requirement. If a supplier cannot provide accurate, plot-level geolocation coordinates (in WGS84 format), the consequences are immediate and significant.

First and foremost, the affected product cannot legally be placed on or exported from the EU market. Without geolocation data, operators are unable to demonstrate that the product was produced on land that remained deforestation-free after 31 December 2020 a mandatory condition for regulatory compliance.

This situation places the operator at legal risk and halts the flow of goods through the supply chain. Even if all other due diligence steps are complete, a missing or unverifiable geolocation file renders the entire Due Diligence Statement (DDS) invalid.

In such cases, companies have two main options:

• Exclude the product from their EU-bound inventory: This is often the only short-term solution when time constraints or lack of alternative suppliers prevent remediation.
• Work with suppliers to collect compliant data: This may include deploying GPS-enabled devices, conducting field surveys, or partnering with local verification bodies to obtain the necessary coordinates and documentation.

Operators are encouraged to identify high-risk or non-digitized suppliers early in the compliance preparation process. Providing technical assistance or funding to collect geospatial data may be necessary especially when working with smallholders or cooperatives in low-connectivity regions.

Failure to address missing geolocation data not only blocks shipments but can also trigger audits, fines, or reputational damage if non-compliant goods are discovered on the EU market.

In summary, lack of geolocation data is a deal-breaker under the EUDR. Businesses must implement robust supplier engagement and mapping strategies to avoid disruptions and maintain legal market access.

How often should monitoring data be updated?

Monitoring under the EUDR is not a one-time requirement – it is a continuous obligation designed to ensure that all products entering or leaving the EU market remain compliant over time. Static or outdated data undermines the integrity of the Due Diligence Statement (DDS) and increases the risk of regulatory violations.

Businesses must regularly update their monitoring data to reflect changes in land use, supply chain composition, or regional risk factors. Specifically, updates are required in the following scenarios:

• With every new shipment: Each shipment of regulated commodities must be accompanied by current, batch-specific geolocation data. Even recurring deliveries from the same supplier must be validated individually to ensure consistency and compliance.
• When supplier conditions or land use change: If a supplier begins sourcing from a new location, expands production to a different plot, or experiences changes in ownership or land rights, the corresponding geospatial data and risk assessments must be revised immediately.
• In response to updated satellite imagery or deforestation alerts: Businesses using remote sensing or GIS platforms should respond to system alerts or visual evidence of forest loss by reviewing and updating supplier profiles and DDS filings accordingly.
• Following a change in regulatory or country risk classification: When the European Commission updates a country’s risk level or publishes new guidance, monitoring data and documentation may need to be adjusted to reflect heightened due diligence requirements.

Regular updates are essential to ensure that DDS statements remain accurate, legally defensible, and aligned with the latest field realities. Outdated or incomplete monitoring data may lead to the rejection of shipments, enforcement penalties, or product recalls.

To manage this process effectively, companies should implement automated alerts, routine supplier re-verification schedules, and digital systems capable of tracking data version history. This not only improves operational efficiency but also demonstrates regulatory preparedness during inspections or audits.

What are the four key components of effective EUDR monitoring?

Effective monitoring under EUDR is not a one-time task – it is an ongoing, structured system designed to track land use, detect changes, and ensure supply chain transparency.

The four essential components are:

1. Geolocation data collection: Plot-level coordinates (WGS84 format) must be gathered for each farm, forest, or plantation. For smallholders, a single point may suffice; for larger plots, polygon mapping is required. The data must include production or harvest dates and supplier identification.
2. Remote sensing and satellite verification: Companies should use high-resolution satellite imagery and remote sensing tools to verify that no deforestation occurred after December 31, 2020. These tools provide objective visual proof and help validate geolocation data submitted by suppliers.
3. GIS-based risk mapping: Geographic Information Systems (GIS) help visualize risk. Companies can layer supplier data with external risk factors such as proximity to protected areas, biodiversity hotspots, or regions with weak governance. This informs risk assessment and mitigation decisions.
4. Dynamic risk updates: Monitoring must adapt to new information. Businesses should update supplier risk profiles if deforestation alerts appear, documentation changes, or a country’s risk classification shifts. This ensures DDS submissions remain valid over time.

These four components work together to create an auditable, defensible compliance system. Monitoring is the foundation for real-time risk detection and legally credible due diligence.

Risk Classification and Country Assessment

This section explains how the EU’s risk-based approach under the EUDR influences the scope and depth of due diligence obligations. Understanding country classification is essential for businesses seeking to tailor their compliance strategies, reduce risk exposure, and allocate resources efficiently.

What is the EUDR risk-based approach?

The EUDR introduces a tiered country classification system to differentiate due diligence requirements based on the deforestation risk associated with the country of origin. 

The European Commission will categorize countries into three risk levels:

• Low-risk countries: These are jurisdictions with a low incidence of deforestation and strong forest governance. They typically have reliable land tenure systems, transparent supply chains, and effective enforcement of environmental laws. For products originating from these countries, operators may benefit from simplified due diligence procedures, including reduced documentation and less intensive verification.
• Standard-risk countries: This is the default classification and applies when there is no specific designation. It requires businesses to carry out the full set of due diligence steps: information gathering, risk assessment, and mitigation where needed. Most countries will likely fall under this category initially, especially in the early phases of EUDR enforcement.
• High-risk countries: These countries are associated with a higher probability of illegal deforestation, weak governance, or inconsistent enforcement of forest laws. Operators sourcing from these regions must conduct enhanced due diligence, including deeper verification measures, more detailed documentation, and possibly third-party audits or field inspections.

The assigned risk level will directly influence the type and intensity of due diligence an operator must perform. For example, sourcing from a high-risk area will require stronger justification that the product is deforestation-free and legally produced, with robust supporting evidence.

Importantly, risk classification does not exempt companies from compliance. Even for low-risk countries, traceability and deforestation-free criteria must still be met. However, the classification helps businesses focus compliance efforts where the risk of harm is greatest.

When will country risk levels be published?

The official risk classification list is expected to be published by 30 June 2025 by the European Commission. It will categorize each producing country or region based on independently verified indicators such as rates of deforestation, quality of governance, enforcement capacity, and transparency of supply chains.

Until that list is finalized and publicly available, all countries must be treated as either standard-risk or high-risk. This means that businesses must conduct full due diligence for all sourcing regions regardless of their perceived environmental or governance status.

No simplified procedures will apply before the risk list is formally adopted. Companies should avoid assuming low-risk status for any supplier or region and instead prepare for comprehensive compliance across their supply chains.

Once published, the classification will be reviewed and updated periodically. Businesses should monitor these updates closely, as changes in a country’s status could immediately alter the scope of due diligence required for products sourced from that region.

In summary, while the risk-based approach will eventually provide a more targeted compliance pathway, businesses must treat all origins as potentially high-risk until 30 June 2025. Robust preparation and adaptable systems are key to managing this transitional uncertainty effectively.

Enforcement and Penalties

Understanding how EUDR will be enforced and what penalties apply is critical for risk planning. Companies must not only focus on building compliance systems but also on understanding the enforcement mechanisms that EU Member States will apply in practice.

How will EUDR be enforced?

EUDR enforcement will be decentralized but coordinated. Each EU Member State is responsible for appointing one or more competent authorities tasked with ensuring that the regulation is implemented and followed within its jurisdiction.

These national authorities are granted significant powers, including:

• Conducting audits and inspections: Both announced and unannounced, covering business premises, warehouses, production sites, and documentation systems.
• Requesting documentation: Such as Due Diligence Statements (DDS), geolocation records, legal sourcing proofs, and risk assessment files.
• Seizing or blocking shipments: Intercepting goods suspected of non-compliance before they are released into circulation.
• Investigating complaints or whistleblower reports: Particularly those from NGOs, journalists, or affected communities in sourcing countries.
• Imposing administrative or legal sanctions: Including financial penalties, market bans, and inclusion on public non-compliance registries.

To facilitate cooperation and information sharing across borders, all authorities will operate via the EU’s centralized TRACES-NT platform. This digital system enables real-time tracking of DDS submissions, audit results, and compliance status across the EU.

Each Member State must also submit annual enforcement reports to the European Commission, detailing the number of inspections conducted, violations detected, and corrective actions taken. This ensures consistent monitoring and accountability across the Union.

Businesses should prepare for risk-based inspections, random audits, and data-driven investigations, especially in high-risk sectors or regions. Authorities may also deploy satellite imagery, AI-based alerts, and geospatial tools to proactively identify irregularities.

What are the penalties for non-compliance?

The EUDR imposes strict and far-reaching penalties for violations, reflecting the regulation’s high environmental and legal significance.

Potential penalties include:

• Monetary fines: These can reach up to 4% of the operator’s annual EU-wide turnover, depending on the severity and recurrence of the breach.
• Confiscation or destruction of goods: Products that fail to meet EUDR criteria may be physically destroyed, refused entry, or withdrawn from the market.
• Revenue seizure: Authorities may recover any profits made from the sale of non-compliant goods.
• Market access bans: In serious or repeated cases, companies may face temporary or permanent bans from placing regulated products on the EU market.
• Public naming: Offenders can be listed publicly, leading to reputational harm, loss of buyer confidence, and scrutiny from NGOs and the media.

Enforcement is designed to be proportionate, dissuasive, and effective. Companies that demonstrate negligence, falsify data, or ignore compliance responsibilities are likely to face harsher penalties than those that show good faith but experience isolated issues.

To mitigate legal and financial risk, companies should implement robust internal control systems, train staff on due diligence protocols, and keep thorough documentation at all times.

How long must companies retain EUDR compliance data?

Under Article 9(3) of the EUDR, both operators (who place products on the EU market) and large traders (who sell regulated goods already in circulation) are legally required to retain all compliance documentation for a minimum of five years.

This five-year retention period starts from the date the product was either placed on the EU market or exported from the EU, depending on the actor’s role in the supply chain.

Companies must retain the following records:

• Due Diligence Statements (DDS): As submitted via the TRACES-NT platform, including submission receipts and any later amendments.
• Geolocation and harvest data: Exact coordinates (WGS84), plot boundaries, and time-stamped production or harvest dates.
• Legal sourcing documentation: Land titles, logging permits, environmental certificates, and compliance with local laws.
• Supplier contracts and declarations: Agreements, attestations, or policies confirming legal and deforestation-free sourcing.
• Risk assessment reports: Internal or third-party evaluations that justify the risk classification of the product or supplier.
• Mitigation actions and logs: Records of audits, supplier engagement, remediation measures, or satellite verification steps.
• System logs and internal correspondence: Evidence showing that due diligence decisions were based on traceable, auditable processes.

These materials must be easily accessible to national authorities upon request. While paper files are not prohibited, digital archiving with structured directories, backup protocols, and access controls is strongly recommended to ensure long-term compliance and audit-readiness.

Importantly, failure to present this documentation even if no deforestation occurred can still lead to enforcement actions. Regulatory authorities are empowered to impose penalties based on procedural non-compliance alone.

Maintaining detailed, well-organized records is therefore essential not only for meeting legal obligations but also for safeguarding your company against reputational and financial risks during inspections or disputes.

Support from eudr.co

Navigating the complexities of the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) requires not only a solid understanding of legal requirements, but also the right tools to manage them efficiently. Specialized platforms like eudr.co provide essential support for businesses looking to ensure compliance without the burden of fragmented systems or manual processes. This section outlines how eudr.co works and how it supports various actors in the supply chain.

What is eudr.co?

Eudr.co is a purpose-built compliance platform specifically designed to support companies in meeting the obligations of the EUDR. Unlike general ESG or sustainability tools, eudr.co is narrowly focused on the detailed legal, technical, and traceability standards of the regulation.

The platform offers a unified environment where businesses can handle all aspects of EUDR compliance from collecting supplier information and geolocation data to generating Due Diligence Statements (DDS) and submitting them through official EU channels.

Its architecture supports both small and large businesses by offering flexibility, scalability, and a user-friendly interface. Whether managing a single product line or a multi-tiered global supply chain, eudr.co helps organizations build compliant workflows that are both reliable and auditable.

How does eudr.co support certification?

To meet the EUDR’s stringent standards, companies must validate not only the source of their goods but also their legal production and traceability. Eudr.co includes a set of tools that directly address these requirements:

• GIS-based mapping tools to verify the precise location and boundaries of production plots using satellite data.
• Blockchain-secured document storage to prevent tampering and ensure an immutable audit trail.
• Automated DDS generation that aligns with Articles 4-5 of the EUDR and reduces administrative work.
• Live risk dashboards that notify users of changes in supplier status, country classifications, or satellite alerts.
• TRACES-NT integration for seamless submission of compliance filings to EU authorities.

By consolidating these features in one platform, eudr.co shortens certification timelines and minimizes the risk of human error during data handling and reporting.

Who can benefit from using eudr.co?

Eudr.co is designed for a wide spectrum of users involved in EUDR-regulated supply chains. Its modular design and access control settings allow each type of actor to use the platform effectively without overlapping responsibilities.

• Importers and exporters can automate DDS generation, collect geolocation data, and monitor supplier risks in real time.
• Traders and distributors benefit from traceability dashboards and document retention features.
• Agricultural producers and cooperatives can upload land data, harvest dates, and supplier credentials directly from the field.
• Certification bodies gain read-only access to verify documents during audits or inspections.
• Retailers and manufacturers access full supply chain transparency and export audit reports for internal use or stakeholder review.

This role-based design helps each actor maintain compliance while contributing to a coordinated, verifiable traceability chain.

How does eudr.co differ from general ESG tools?

Unlike conventional ESG or supply chain platforms, eudr.co is engineered to meet the EUDR’s legal thresholds down to the article level. It offers a higher level of specificity and legal relevance by embedding regulatory standards into each workflow.

Key differences include:

• Built-in legal logic aligned with EUDR Articles 3-11.
• Dedicated modules for traceability, deforestation risk analysis, and document retention.
• Pre-audit reports and alerts tailored to national enforcement practices under the regulation.
• Structured templates and evidence formats that match what authorities require during inspections.

Generic ESG platforms may lack the ability to handle precise geolocation formats (WGS84), forest legality documents, or DDS-specific metadata making eudr.co a more reliable solution for EUDR compliance.

Does eudr.co integrate with our existing systems?

Yes. Eudr.co is designed to fit into existing digital ecosystems without requiring costly overhauls. The platform offers:

• API access for integration with ERP, supply chain, and procurement systems.
• CSV and batch upload options for bulk data entry or migration.
• Manual data entry modes for smaller users without automated systems.
• Compatibility with certification databases, such as FSC and PEFC, to cross-reference supplier credentials.
• GIS and remote monitoring interoperability for linking satellite tools with compliance dashboards.

This interoperability ensures that businesses can leverage their existing digital infrastructure while meeting the unique demands of EUDR.

Is onboarding complex?

No. The onboarding process is designed to be fast and accessible, even for companies with limited technical expertise. 

Eudr.co offers:

• Step-by-step configuration guides to help set up company profiles, supplier lists, and compliance workflows.
• Pre-loaded templates and dropdown fields to reduce manual data entry.
• Live chat and training support from compliance experts to answer regulatory or platform-related questions.
• Multilingual interface options, which facilitate use across international teams and supplier networks.

Most companies can be operational within days, depending on the volume and structure of their existing data. The user-friendly dashboard reduces learning curves and ensures rapid time-to-compliance.

Conclusion

The EU Deforestation Regulation marks a major shift in global supply chain governance. By requiring that products are deforestation-free, legally sourced, and fully traceable to the geolocated plot of origin, it sets a new legal standard for transparency and accountability. For companies operating in or trading with the EU, this is no longer a voluntary sustainability initiative, it is a binding regulatory obligation.

Businesses that act early by implementing traceability systems, collecting geolocation data, and submitting Due Diligence Statements (DDS) through the TRACES-NT platform will be better positioned to retain market access, avoid penalties, and meet growing stakeholder expectations.

EUDR compliance is not just about regulatory risk management. It is a strategic investment in long-term resilience, supply chain integrity, and brand credibility in an increasingly environmentally focused global marketplace.