What is EUDR? The EU Deforestation Regulation Explained

What is EUDR?

Regulation (EU) 2023/1115, known as EUDR (EU Deforestation Regulation), is legislation adopted by the European Parliament and the Council of the EU on 29 June 2023. Its primary purpose is to ensure that products placed on the European market or exported from the EU are not associated with deforestation or forest degradation.

Why was EUDR adopted?

The European Union is one of the world's largest consumers and importers of commodities linked to deforestation. Between 1990 and 2020, the world lost approximately 420 million hectares of forest. EU consumption is responsible for roughly 10% of global deforestation.

EUDR replaces Regulation (EU) No 995/2010 (the EU Timber Regulation) and significantly expands its scope from timber alone to seven key commodities and their derived products.

Which products are covered?

The regulation covers seven commodities: timber, palm oil, soy, cocoa, coffee, rubber, and cattle (including leather). It also includes derived products such as furniture, chocolate, tyres, and paper.

Key requirements

• Due diligence obligation — operators and traders must demonstrate that products are deforestation-free
• Geolocation — GPS coordinates of all production plots must be provided
• Cut-off date — products must originate from land that has not been deforested after 31 December 2020
• Due diligence statement — an electronic statement must be submitted in the EU information system before placing products on the market

Compliance timeline

Although the regulation entered into force on 29 June 2023, the compliance deadlines have been postponed twice. Following the targeted revision adopted on 18 December 2025, large and medium operators must comply by 30 December 2026, and small and micro operators (non-timber products) by 30 June 2027. See the full timeline for details.

Latest update — May 2026

On 4 May 2026, the Commission published the EUDR simplification review (press release IP/26/941): a report to the Parliament and Council, an updated guidance document and FAQs, a draft delegated act on product scope (public feedback open until 1 June 2026), and an updated implementing act on the Information System. Headline claim: ~75% reduction in annual compliance costs compared to the original EUDR. Deadlines unchanged. Full legal walkthrough on the May 2026 simplification review page.

Who must comply?

Operators placing products on the EU market or exporting them, as well as traders making these products available on the market, are subject to EUDR obligations. Requirements vary depending on the size of the enterprise and the risk classification of the country of origin.

Additional resources

For practical compliance guides, visit eudr.solutions. For EUDR news and updates, see eudr.today. Also consult the frequently asked questions or the glossary of terms for further clarification.