Navigating The EU Deforestation Regulation: Key Obligations For Operators

Background and objectives

In 2023, the European Union published Regulation (EU) 2023/1115, referred to as the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), marking a significant step in the EU's commitment to combating global deforestation. The EUDR, establishes binding due diligence obligations for businesses placing or exporting certain commodities from the EU market. For large and medium-sized* operators and micro and small* operators covered by the EU Timber Regulation, the EUDR enters into application on the 30th of December 2026, whereas for micro and small operators it enters into force on the 30th of June 2027.

Scope

The regulation applies to seven commodities: cattle, cocoa, coffee, oil palm, rubber, soya and wood, along with a broad range of derived products, such as chocolate, leather goods, furniture, and paper. It covers both imports into and exports from the EU market and applies to any operator, whether established inside or outside the Union.