Definition
Deforestation-free products are goods whose raw materials originate from agricultural or forestry production, and for which it can be demonstrably verified that no deforestation or forest degradation occurred during their sourcing. This includes raw materials such as wood, soy, coffee, cocoa, beef, palm oil, and rubber, as well as derived products like furniture, packaging, leather goods, or paper products.
Key Considerations
With the new Regulation (EU) 2023/1115 on deforestation-free supply chains (EUDR), participation in the EU market is made conditional on geolocation of origin and proof of deforestation-free production. The regulation applies from 30 December 2025.
Companies placing or exporting affected products on the market must implement and document a due diligence system. This includes, among other things:
- Geocoordinates of the production area
- Country of origin and proof of legal harvesting
- Risk assessment for deforestation
- Risk analysis and mitigation measures
- Submission of a due diligence statement via the EU portal
These requirements apply to both raw materials and processed products (e.g. wooden furniture, chocolate, leather goods). Movements of goods within existing supply chains – including imports and exports – are also covered by the scope of the regulation.
Violations can lead to market bans and severe penalties.