Deforestation due-diligence,
plot to DDS.

The abbreviation EUDR means "EU Deforestation Regulation". It is an EU regulation that ensures products in the EU do not contribute to deforestation. Companies must prove the origin of their goods and fulfill a due diligence obligation – including traceability down to the cultivation area.

The EUDR applies to cattle, wood, soy, palm oil, coffee, cocoa, rubber – as well as many processed products made from them. The decisive factor are the CN codes listed in Annex I of the regulation. In practice, the customs tariff number is therefore the starting point for any assessment. kolum recognizes these automatically.

The EUDR affects all companies that place certain raw materials or products made from them on the EU market, make them available or export them. The regulation distinguishes between operators (first placing on market), downstream operators and traders. A company can hold multiple roles depending on product and process. SMEs must also comply, though simplified obligations may apply for SME traders.

The EUDR was postponed twice: originally from December 30, 2024 to December 30, 2025, and then again by another 12 months. The EUDR now applies from December 30, 2026 for large and medium enterprises. For micro and small enterprises, the deadline is June 30, 2027. Exception: small enterprises already subject to the EUTR must comply from December 30, 2026.

In Germany, the Federal Office for Agriculture and Food (BLE) is the competent authority. Violations can result in fines of up to 4% of annual turnover, product confiscation, seizure of revenues, temporary exclusion from public procurement and a temporary marketing ban.

Companies must follow four steps: collect information and geodata, conduct risk assessment, implement risk mitigation measures, and submit a due diligence statement via the EU Information System. After submission, they receive a reference number for customs declarations. Without these proofs, no product may be marketed in the EU. kolum automates this entire process.

Yes. Own production within the EU can also be affected as soon as a product from Annex I is placed on the market or exported. The deforestation-free requirement and due diligence obligations apply equally.

Yes, a statement can cover multiple physical batches or shipments. In practice, it is recommended to choose the reference period so that annual reviews of the due diligence system are properly reflected.

If companies receive new information indicating non-compliance, they must immediately inform the competent authorities and affected trading partners and initiate appropriate follow-up measures.

Certification and third-party verification systems can provide supplementary information, for example on geodata or risk assessment. However, they are not mandatory and not automatically sufficient. Mass-balance approaches in the chain of custody are generally not compatible with the EUDR if origin and geodata cannot be fully demonstrated.

The implementation of the EUDR is carried out by the national authorities of the EU member states. In Germany, the BLE (Federal Office for Agriculture and Food) is the designated authority. The overarching coordination, technical design and monitoring lies with the EU Commission.