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Navigating EUDR Compliance: What Businesses Need to Know — and How Expert Support Can Accelerate Readiness

  • Writer: J.Cox
    J.Cox
  • Nov 4
  • 3 min read

Updated: Nov 25


EUDR compliance timeline for businesses, including deadlines for large operators (Dec 2025) and SMEs (June 2026), alongside key compliance steps.

Safeguard Market Access • Strengthen Supply Chain Transparency •

Ensure Regulatory Confidence


The EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) represents one of the most significant supply chain due-diligence requirements introduced in recent years. Designed to combat global deforestation, the legislation impacts a wide range of commodities and finished goods — and places strict obligations on organisations placing or exporting relevant products in the EU market.


While the regulation is far-reaching, compliance is achievable with the right systems, data, and industry guidance. As trusted advisors in sustainability strategy and regulatory readiness, we help businesses design and execute effective EUDR compliance frameworks that protect revenue, preserve supply continuity, and reduce operational risk.


What Is the EUDR?


The EUDR requires companies to prove that in-scope products are:


  • Deforestation-free

  • Produced legally in their country of origin

  • Supported by a Due Diligence Statement (DDS) submitted via the EU Information System

  • Traceable to the plot of land where production originated


This applies to seven core commodities and several thousand product lines derived from them:


  • Cattle

  • Cocoa

  • Coffee

  • Oil palm

  • Rubber

  • Soy

  • Wood


Businesses trading these goods — either directly or indirectly — must demonstrate compliance or face trade disruption and penalties.


When Does EUDR Apply?


The regulation has commenced, with compliance deadlines based on company size:


Large operators & traders - 30th of December 2025

SMEs - 30th of June 2026


Although the enforcement timeline provides preparation time, proactive companies are already building EUDR-compliant processes and supplier engagement programmes.


Why EUDR Matters to Your Business


Failure to comply may lead to:


  • Blocked imports & exports

  • Seizure of goods

  • Fines based on EU turnover

  • Reputational and investor scrutiny

  • Loss of European market access


Conversely, organisations that act early secure:


  • Stronger customer trust and ESG credentials

  • Improved supply chain resilience

  • Competitive advantage in regulated markets

  • Long-term compliance infrastructure aligned to future due-diligence laws


What EUDR Compliance Requires


1. End-to-End Traceability

Locate and document the **exact plot of land** where raw materials originated — including geolocation coordinates.


2. Robust Risk Assessment & Controls


Assess environmental and legal risks across your sourcing footprint. Apply mitigation where risks cannot be fully verified.


3. Supplier Engagement & Evidence Collection


Update contracts, provide guidance, and build data workflows with suppliers — including smallholders and intermediaries.


4. Submission & Data Retention


Submit a **Due Diligence Statement (DDS)** before market entry and retain supporting evidence for a minimum of five years.


The Challenge: Complex Supply Chains Require Structured Support


Many organisations face challenges such as:


  • Fragmented supplier networks in emerging markets

  • Insufficient geolocation or legality documentation

  • Limited internal resources or expertise

  • Lack of traceability technology or data infrastructure

  • Uncertainty over evidence standards and audit processes


This is where expert advisory and structured implementation programmes become essential.


How We Support EUDR Compliance


Our consulting-led approach helps organisations move from obligation to operational excellence.


  • Regulatory Interpretation & Gap Assessment

  • Clear interpretation of obligations, maturity benchmarking, and phased roadmap delivery.

  • Supply Chain Mapping & Traceability Design

  • Supplier data architecture, traceability systems, technology enablement, and data validation.

  • Policy, Process & Governance Build

  • Internal controls, audit frameworks, legal clauses, and board-level reporting structures.

  • Supplier Enablement & Training

  • Global supplier communication, onboarding packs, templates, webinars, and help desk support.

  • Due Diligence Execution & Filing Assistance

  • Hands-on support collecting evidence, reviewing documentation, conducting risk assessments, and preparing DDS submissions.

  • Ongoing Monitoring & Continuous Improvement

  • Annual programme reviews, regulatory updates, and supplier improvement pathways.


Your EUDR Readiness Checklist


☐ Map all in-scope commodities and products

☐ Identify and engage affected suppliers

☐ Collect required geolocation and legal evidence

☐ Build risk scoring & mitigation workflows

☐ Prepare systems and documentation for DDS filings

☐ Train procurement, ESG, compliance, and logistics teams


If any of these areas remain uncertain, now is the time to act.


Take the Next Step Toward Full EUDR Compliance


Whether you are at the early scoping phase or ready to build a full traceability system, our specialists can help deliver a robust, future-proof programme.


  • Book an EUDR Readiness Consultation

  • Receive a personalised assessment and action plan aligned to your supply chain and business model.

  • Standardised documentation to streamline supplier onboarding and data collection.

  • Let's discuss how we can support you


Flexible advisory, project management, and operational support tailored to any stage of your journey.


EUDR compliance isn't just a regulatory requirement — it's a strategic opportunity to strengthen sustainability leadership and future-proof your supply chain.


Let’s build your compliance programme with confidence.

Contact our team to get started.




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