Commission guidance for EUDR on deforestation-free products

The European Commission has published the second edition of a non-binding guidance document clarifying implementation of Regulation (EU) 2023/1115 (EUDR) on deforestation-free products.

• Main action: The Commission issues detailed, non-binding guidance clarifying definitions (e.g. “placing on the market”, “making available on the market”, “export”), due diligence requirements (Article 8), the due diligence system maintenance and annual review, and the Information System / Due Diligence Statement (DDS) procedures; it specifies the cut-off date 31 December 2020 for “deforestation-free” and sets the EUDR application timelines: entry into force 29 June 2023; obligations apply from 30 December 2025 for most operators and from 30 June 2026 for micro- and small undertakings established by 31 December 2020 (with special rules for timber/EUTR).
• Background and requirements: The guidance was drafted with Member States and references FAO/IPCC/UNEP/IUCN standards; it mandates collection of product and geolocation data, documentation of compliance with the relevant legislation of the country of production, 5-year record retention for updates, clarifies product scope (HS codes, packaging, waste/recycled exemptions, composite products), explains the role and limits of certification and third-party verification schemes, and notes a repository of best practices will be set up for operators and competent authorities.