In the past few days, the European Commission (EC) has announced a range of measures that will reduce the administrative burden related to the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR).
As one route to reduce the overall environmental impacts generated by the European Union (EU), the main aim of the EUDR is to ensure that goods imported into the political and economic bloc do not contribute to forest degradation, either within the EU or globally. According to the EC, deforestation and damage to forested areas have significant adverse impacts on climate change and loss of biodiversity.
Ahead of its implementation this year, the EUDR has already shed new light on supply chains, and opened up options for deforestation-free products, the EC reports.
Reducing the administrative burden
The latest documents published by the EC offer updated guidance on the EUDR. Key amendments include several areas where the processes have been simplified.
Among these is that the required documents — named due diligence statements (DDS) — for new products need be submitted just once each year, instead of for each shipment.
For large companies, subsequent imports do not require a new DDS for the same goods.
Furthermore, one representative can be nominated to submit the DDS on behalf of all members of a company group.
The amendments also make it easier for suppliers to establish that due diligence has been carried out by their customers, by using the DDS reference number.
With the latest clarification of these details, the EC says it is delivering on its commitment to the European Council and the European Parliament, as well as providing greater certainty for all involved.
The latest version of the guidance was drawn up after consultation with the authorities of EU member states, partner countries, businesses and industry.
According to the EC, the improved clarity will support companies, and authorities in member states and partner countries to demonstrate that their products are deforestation-free. Furthermore, it says, the latest updates offer the prospect of harmonized implementation of the EUDR in all EU countries.
More on EU Deforestation Regulation
EUDR was originally scheduled to come into effect in 2024. However, a lack of clarity over details was blamed for poor progress on preparations for its implementation at that time by participants.
As a result, EUDR implementation was postponed by 12 months.
Since December 2024, the EUDR Information System has been available in all EU languages, and open for companies to submit and manage their DDS.
A dedicated group — Team Europe Initiative — is working with countries that are major consumers of affected goods, with the aim of shifting global supply chains toward greater sustainability. The same group is supporting producer countries to reduce the reliance of their supply chains on deforestation.
