Prepare Your Business for EUDR Compliance

Get Ready for the EU Regulation on Deforestation-free Products (EUDR)

The European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) is a new directive aimed at reducing global deforestation by regulating supply chains linked to deforestation risks. The EUDR targets specific commodity groups: Soy, Cattle, Palm Oil, Coffee, Cocoa, Rubber and Timber, to ensure they meet new traceability and compliance standards when sold in the EU.

This regulation is part of the EU’s commitment to promoting sustainable land use, protecting biodiversity, and addressing climate change.

The original application date was December 30, 2024, but the European Commission proposed a 12-month delay to give companies more time to prepare. The new application dates are:

Large companies: December 30, 2025

Micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs): June 30, 2026

If you are interested in testing to verify the geographical origin of your food or timber products, contact us.

Who Does EUDR Affect?

The EUDR impacts businesses across the entire supply chain - from producers, traders, and importers to retailers dealing in specific commodities and derived products. This includes companies that handle all seven commodities, as well as their derivatives such as leather, furniture, and chocolate. The regulation will primarily affect any organisation operating within, or exporting to, the EU market.

In terms of sectors, agriculture, forestry, food and beverage, furniture, textiles, and retail are among the most affected. Industries reliant on commodities like palm oil (used in processed foods and cosmetics), soy (used in animal feed), and timber (used in construction and furniture manufacturing) will face significant compliance requirements.

For UK businesses exporting regulated commodities into the EU, the EUDR requires extensive due diligence. These businesses must trace their supply chains back to the source, providing geolocation data to demonstrate that products do not originate from recently deforested land. This places an added responsibility on UK exporters to ensure their products meet EUDR.

The Commodities

Coffee

Cattle

Soybean

Palm Oil

Cacao

Rubber

Timber

Impact on Businesses

Under the EUDR, businesses must demonstrate that their supply chains are ‘deforestation-free,’ with evidence supporting the traceability of each product’s origin. Key requirements include:

Conducting due diligence on suppliers and products to ensure compliance.
Maintaining detailed records of sourcing practices.
Establishing robust systems for traceability and reporting.

Non-compliance with the EUDR can lead to severe financial and operational repercussions. The most serious consequence is the potential ban from the EU market, cutting off access to one of the largest consumer bases globally.

Additionally, companies may face hefty fines based on revenue or economic gain from the violation, confiscation of non-compliant goods, and damaged brand reputation. Businesses may also experience increased regulatory scrutiny, with frequent audits and higher compliance costs, making robust due diligence essential to avoid these risks.

For UK businesses, the EUDR adds significant complexity, especially for exporters and companies importing regulated commodities into the EU. Firms will need to implement systems to provide geolocation data and verify that their products meet deforestation-free standards. This could require substantial investment in new technology, supplier audits, and compliance frameworks, placing smaller businesses at a potential disadvantage. Additionally, navigating dual compliance with the UK Forest Risk Commodity Regulation (UKFRC) for Northern Ireland-based companies will create further operational challenges. For many UK firms, aligning with EUDR offers not only regulatory compliance but also an opportunity to strengthen their sustainability credentials and maintain access to EU markets.

How Can Fera Help?

Fera offers testing services to underpin your due diligence practice to verify the geographical origin of your products and interrogate the authenticity of the product certificates to protect your brand and reputation

Commodity Origin Testing

Fera specialises in scientifically validating the origin of commodities through rigorous testing methods to verify the geographical origin of your products. Our advanced testing services can verify whether raw materials and final products in your supply chain meet the ‘deforestation-free’ criteria set by the EUDR, providing critical data to support your compliance.

Methods include stable isotope ratio analysis (SIRA) and trace element analysis.

Custom Data Set Development

We understand that each business has unique supply chain requirements. To ensure tailored compliance, Fera can assist companies in building their own comprehensive data sets, detailing the geographical origins, sourcing practices and environmental impact of their commodities. This enables businesses to meet EUDR traceability standards and manage supply chain data with confidence.

Guidance and Compliance Consultation

Our team of experts is ready to offer ongoing support and customised guidance, helping your business align with EUDR requirements while building sustainable, deforestation-free practices. We provide insights and practical recommendations to help you avoid costly disruptions and maintain consumers trust.

Supply Chain Auditing and Due Diligence

Fera also offers supply chain auditing services, including verification, risk assessment, and supplier evaluations, to help companies identify and address any areas of concern regarding deforestation risks.

With Fera Science as your strategic partner, you can approach EUDR compliance confidently and responsibly.

Our tailored services and scientific expertise make us an ideal choice for businesses seeking to uphold the highest standards of sustainability and environmental responsibility.

Navigating the EU Regulation on Deforestation-free Products (EUDR) Webinar

This webinar explores the critical role of testing and dataset creation in achieving compliance with the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). The session delves into how robust testing methods and accurate data can help food and drink manufacturers meet the regulation's strict due diligence requirements.

Discover practical steps to identify risk within supply chains, ensure product traceability, and demonstrate compliance to avoid market access issues in the EU. Whether you're sourcing raw materials like timber, soy, cocoa, or palm oil or producing derived products, this webinar is essential for understanding how scientific data and testing can safeguard your operations.

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Review of Methods for Verifying Commodity Origins

The report focuses on critically assessing methods used to verify the geographical origin of commodities, with the goal of supporting industry compliance with food authenticity and traceability. Recognising the complexities of modern supply chains and the diverse risks of origin misrepresentation, the study reviews a wide range of analytical techniques and their applicability to different food and feed commodities.

Download the PDF to find out more.

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