EUDR (EU Deforestation Regulation - Regulation (EU) 2023/1115) is the new European legislation that prohibits the import and sale of products associated with deforestation. For wood industry companies in Romania, this regulation brings strict traceability and due diligence requirements.
What is EUDR?
EUDR replaces the old EU Timber Regulation (EUTR) and considerably extends due diligence requirements. The regulation applies to timber and wood products, but also to other commodities such as soy, palm oil, cocoa, coffee, rubber, and cattle.
Wood products covered by EUDR:
EUDR Application Deadlines
January 1, 2027
Estimated application date for large and medium companies
July 1, 2027
Estimated application date for SMEs (small and medium enterprises)
Ongoing
Checks and penalties from competent authorities
Requirements for Operators
EUDR imposes three main requirements for all operators who place on the market or export relevant products:
Due Diligence Statement
Each batch of products must be accompanied by a statement certifying compliance with EUDR requirements, including GPS coordinates of the origin plot.
Due Diligence System
Companies must implement a robust system for information collection, risk assessment, and mitigation of identified risks.
Complete Traceability
You must be able to demonstrate the exact origin of timber down to the forest plot, with geolocation coordinates.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Non-compliance with EUDR attracts severe penalties that can jeopardize company operations:
- Fines up to 4% of annual EU turnover
- Confiscation of products and sales revenues
- Temporary exclusion from public procurement procedures
- Temporary ban from placing products on the market
How FSC/PEFC Certification Helps
Although FSC or PEFC certification does not automatically guarantee EUDR compliance, it provides a solid foundation for meeting requirements:
Existing Traceability
The CoC system already provides a mechanism for tracking materials from source to final product.
Documented Procedures
Certified policies and procedures are compatible with EUDR due diligence requirements.
Regular Audits
Annual FSC/PEFC audits verify compliance and identify potential risks.
Reduced Risk Classification
Certified sources may benefit from favorable assessment in the EUDR country benchmarking system.
What You Need to Do Now
To prepare for EUDR, we recommend the following steps:
Assess your products to identify which fall under EUDR scope
Review your supply chain and identify material origins
Implement or improve your traceability system
Obtain FSC/PEFC certification to strengthen your due diligence system
Prepare necessary documentation for EUDR statements
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Prepare for EUDR with Group Certification
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