An introduction to the EUDR

The European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) prohibits importing and trading products from illegally harvested forests on the EU market. This regulation differentiates between ‘marker operators’ (those directly introducing these goods) and ‘traders’ (who distribute them further within the EU). EUDR compliance is mandatory for (commodity) products such as livestock, palm oil, soy, cocoa, coffee, rubber and timber, and their derivatives such as leather, chocolate and processed palm oil products. If an EU party creates new products that are on the list of EUDR-listed products, such party will also be considered a ‘market operator’.

Compliance with the EUDR

To ensure compliance regarding the goods that your company imports and sells are not illegally harvested, and are allowed on the EU market, your company has to apply for a due diligence identification number. This number verifies whether the goods meet EUDR standards and can legally be put on the EU market. Every trader in the supply chain must retain this due diligence identification number and, depending on its size meet more far-reaching requirements. Want to know more about the EUDR? Read our latest article.

Companies in scope

Compliance requirements under the EUDR differ by company size. Large enterprises (i.e. a company with an annual turnover above EUR 43 MIO or a balance total of more than EUR 50 MIO, and having 250 or more employees) that act as traders must fulfill similar obligations, as market operators. All other (smaller) businesses acting as traders face fewer compliance steps but must still meet core EUDR requirements. 

Timeline and upcoming events

EUDR Sanity check

Our Sanity check provides a fast evaluation of your company’s EUDR compliance obligations, helping you identify any compliance gaps and understand actionable next steps. Our Sanity check includes:

  • Product range analysis
  • Data review
  • EUDR onboarding

Deliverables

  • Data analysis report
  • Product range assessment

Our EUDR Sanity check helps you gain clarity on EUDR obligations, reduce compliance risks, and meet regulatory requirements early.

EUDR Compliance advisory

Our EUDR Compliance Advisory offers expert support throughout your compliance journey, from data preparation to report submission. This service includes:

  • Supplier compliance check
  • Due Diligence number application
  • Quality assessment

Deliverables

  • Detailed data guidance
  • Quality control report
  • Compliance readiness report

Our Compliance Advisory provides full-service support for your EUDR reporting, from initial data preparation to final submission. This service minimizes the risk of non-compliance penalties and keeps your business on track.

EUDR Ongoing assistance

For companies needing end-to-end support, our EUDR Ongoing assistance ensures that your EUDR compliance is effectively managed and optimized. We offer ongoing support, strategic advice, and proactive improvements to keep your reporting efficient and compliant. This service includes:

  • Scheduled and ad hoc reporting
  • Strategic advisory
  • Ongoing compliance support
  • Training
  • Communication with authorities

Deliverables

  • Ongoing compliance assessment
  • Strategic advisory report
  • Team training and documentation
  • Authority communication support

Our ongoing EUDR assistance service supports you at every stage of compliance, from initial assessments through continuous reporting. We work with you to optimize processes, minimize costs, and integrate compliance seamlessly into your operations.

Further assistance

Providing support in communication with local authorities for tasks such as registering EORI numbers, eHerkenning, reclassifying certain goods, correcting product codes, and submitting BTI requests (non-exhaustive). 

EUDR - further assistance

Our specialists

Marco Visser

Gouda

+31 (0) 88 676 9561

Pierre Docx

Amsterdam

+31 (0) 88 676 9121

Frequently asked questions and answers about EUDR

All levels within the supply chain, including importers, wholesalers, and retailers, should take the EUDR into account, regardless of size. Please note, however, that compliance requirements may vary based on the size of the company involved.

Entrepreneurs are divided into two groups: ‘economic operators’ and ‘traders’. An ‘economic operator’ has to meet more standards for the EUDR compared to a ‘trader’. Traders may rely on the initial due diligence earlier up in the chain by their suppliers of products and raw materials. However, they should also have a policy formulated.

Economic operators have to set up their due diligence system. Traders can use due diligence declarations from their suppliers. An exception to the rule is the ‘large trader’, who is subject to the same requirements as economic operators.

The application is completed electronically via an official EU portal to be put in place. Businesses must upload specific product data as part of the application. 

Penalties for failing to comply with the EUDR’s obligation include fines up to a maximum of 4% of the revenue generated in the EU with that specific product over the previous year, confiscation of profits, import bans and public disclosure of non-compliance on the website of the European Commission.