Regulation on deforestation-free products effective end of 2024

On December 30, 2024, the new EU regulation on deforestation-free products will come into effect. This regulation replaces the existing EU Timber Regulation (EUTR). The main goal is to prevent deforestation and forest degradation, leading to stricter requirements for importing certain products.

Key raw materials under scrutiny

The regulation applies to seven key raw materials: cocoa, coffee, wood, soy, palm oil, rubber, and beef. These products must be demonstrably deforestation-free, including derived products such as chocolate bars, leather, and furniture. Producers must be able to trace the origin of their products.

Strict controls and due diligence

Companies must complete a due diligence statement to prove their products are deforestation-free. This process is defined within a framework of due diligence requirements. Once all requirements are met, the statement can be submitted to the European customs system, TRACES. Only products accompanied by a due diligence statement number are allowed on the European market.

The Dutch Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) will conduct inspections to ensure companies comply with EUDR requirements. Customs will check the flow of goods and due diligence statements to verify that the goods' origins match the company's declarations.

Objectives of the new regulation

The EU aims to minimize deforestation and forest degradation caused by EU consumption and production through this regulation. This should increase the demand for legally and deforestation-free produced goods. Global deforestation leads to biodiversity loss and accounts for 10 to 20% of worldwide greenhouse gas emissions. The EU aims to reduce its CO2 emissions from these products by at least 32 million tons per year and preserve the biodiversity of forests.

Nvwa.nl