Governance & Policy
EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR)
Definition
The EU Deforestation Regulation, Regulation (EU) 2023/1115, prohibits placing on or exporting from the EU market specified commodities — cattle, cocoa, coffee, oil palm, rubber, soya and wood — and derived products unless they are deforestation-free (produced on land not subject to deforestation after 31 December 2020), produced in accordance with the laws of the country of production, and covered by a due diligence statement with geolocation data.
References
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This reference provides supporting context for how “EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR)” is defined and used.
Overview
How it is used
Operators and non-SME traders use due diligence systems and submit statements through the EU information system. Producers, cooperatives and suppliers may need to provide plot geolocation, production dates or ranges and evidence of legal production.
Geospatial analysis can help detect risk, but non-detection is not proof of compliance and apparent change may require investigation for false positives, data limitations or lawful land-use history.
Why it matters
The Regulation can determine whether relevant products may enter or leave the EU market. It also shifts data and evidence demands deep into supply chains, creating particular implementation challenges for smallholders and intermediaries without reliable geolocation, legality records or digital infrastructure. Good implementation therefore depends on proportionate support as well as credible controls.