Key dates:
Entered into force in June 2023, bans on commodities that do not comply with the EUDR will be effective from 31 December 2024 (or 30 June 2025 for small and medium-sized enterprises)
Applies to:
Any operator or trader, irrespective of size and industry, who places relevant commodities or products, as defined by the Regulation, on the EU market, or exports from it.
What it says:
The proposal sets mandatory due diligence rules for companies that want to place certain commodities on the EU market with the aim of ensuring that only deforestation-free and legal products are allowed on the EU market. The regulation targets seven key commodities: coffee, cocoa, cattle, palm oil, soy, rubber and wood, as well as derived products including leather, oil cakes and chocolate. It will be illegal to sell or export any of the six commodities if they've been produced on deforested land or in non-compliance with local legislation.
Penalty:
Those found in violation of the regulation can face fines of up to 4% EU-wide turnover, the confiscation of relevant commodities and products as well as the confiscation of revenues, the suspension or prohibition of relevant economic activities, or the exclusion from public procurement processes.