EU Regulation on Deforestation-free Products

The EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), formally known as Regulation (EU) 2023/1115, is a landmark policy adopted by the European Union to combat global deforestation and forest degradation. It aims to ensure that products consumed within the EU do not contribute to these environmental issues.

Key Provisions

The regulation targets specific commodities and products linked to deforestation and forest degradation, including:

• Palm oil
• Cattle
• Soy
• Coffee
• Cocoa
• Timber
• Rubber
• Derived products such as beef, furniture, and chocolate

Due Diligence Requirements

Operators placing these products on the EU market or exporting them must:

• Demonstrate that the products do not originate from land deforested after December 31, 2020.
• Provide evidence of compliance with the laws of the country of production.
• Submit due diligence statements electronically through a registry managed by the European Commission.

Enforcement and Penalties

Non-compliance can result in fines up to 4% of the operator's EU turnover.

Implications

The EUDR is expected to significantly reduce the EU's contribution to global deforestation and biodiversity loss.

🔗 EC, EP