EUDR Glossary: Key Terms and Definitions

EUDR glossary of terms

Below are definitions of the main terms used in Regulation (EU) 2023/1115. Definitions are based on Article 2 of the regulation and on the European Commission's guidance documents.

Deforestation

The conversion of forest to agricultural use, whether human-induced or not. In the context of EUDR, the cut-off date is 31 December 2020: products must originate from land that has not been deforested after this date.

Forest degradation

Structural changes to forest cover that convert a primary forest or a naturally regenerating forest into a plantation forest or other wooded land. It differs from deforestation in that the land remains forest, but ecological quality decreases.

Deforestation-free

A product is deforestation-free if: (a) the commodities contained in or used to make it were produced on land not subject to deforestation after 31 December 2020, and (b) in the case of timber, it was harvested from forests without causing forest degradation after 31 December 2020.

Due diligence

A mandatory three-step process that operators must carry out: (1) information collection, (2) risk assessment, and (3) risk mitigation. The purpose is to ensure products are deforestation-free and comply with the legislation of the country of production.

Due diligence statement

An electronic document submitted by operators in the EU information system, attesting that products comply with EUDR requirements. It contains information about the products, country of origin, geolocation coordinates, and the results of the risk assessment.

Operator

Any natural or legal person who, in the course of a commercial activity, places relevant products on the EU market for the first time or exports them from the Union. See scope.

Trader

Any person in the supply chain, other than the operator, who makes relevant products available on the market in the course of a commercial activity.

Placing on the market

The first making available of a product on the EU market. Includes import and manufacturing for the internal market.

Making available on the market

Any supply of a product for distribution, consumption, or use on the EU market, in the course of a commercial activity, whether for payment or free of charge.

Geolocation

The geographical coordinates (latitude and longitude) of all plots of land where the commodities were produced. For plots larger than 4 hectares, geospatial polygons must be provided as sufficient points to describe the perimeter.

Benchmarking (Country classification)

The system of classifying countries or regions into risk categories (low, standard, high) by the European Commission, pursuant to Article 29. Determines the level of due diligence required.

Risk assessment

The second step of the due diligence process, in which the operator analyses the collected information to determine whether there is a risk that the products are associated with deforestation or non-compliant with the legislation of the country of production.

Risk mitigation

The third step of the due diligence process, in which the operator takes additional measures to reduce the identified risk to a negligible level. May include audits, satellite imagery, or on-the-ground verification.

Negligible risk

The level of risk that must be achieved for a product to be placed on the market. If the risk cannot be reduced to this level, the product cannot be marketed.

Cut-off date

31 December 2020. Products must originate from land that has not been deforested or degraded after this date.

Information system

The electronic platform developed by the European Commission where operators submit their due diligence statements. It integrates with the EU Single Window Environment for Customs (EU SWE-C).

Competent authority

The authority designated by each EU Member State to enforce and monitor compliance with the regulation. Carries out risk-based checks.

Simplified due diligence

The procedure applicable to products originating from countries classified as low risk. Operators need only collect information, without carrying out risk assessment and mitigation.

Forest

As defined by the FAO definition used in the regulation: land spanning more than 0.5 hectares with trees higher than 5 metres and a canopy cover of more than 10%, or trees capable of reaching those thresholds in situ.

Primary forest

A naturally regenerating forest of native species where there are no clearly visible indications of human activity and the ecological processes are not significantly disturbed.

Legislation of the country of production

The legislation applicable in the country of production regarding: legal status of the land, environmental protection, land use rights, labour law, human rights, tax legislation, and anti-corruption.

Relevant commodities

The seven commodities covered by EUDR: timber, palm oil, soy, cocoa, coffee, rubber, and cattle.

Relevant products

The products listed in Annex I of the regulation, which contain, have been fed with, or have been made using relevant commodities. Identified by HS (Harmonised System) codes.

Omnibus (Simplification proposal)

The European Commission's proposal from February 2025 aimed at simplifying EUDR and reducing the administrative burden, particularly for products from low-risk countries.

For more details, see the legal analysis of the regulation or the frequently asked questions.