Following the publication of updated guidance documents, FAQs, and a draft delegated act by the European Commission, EuroCommerce said the additional clarification in the European Deforstation Regulation (EUDR) is an important step toward making the regulation more workable for businesses trading products covered by the rules.
The EUDR affects a broad range of goods, including coffee, timber, furniture, and other products linked to deforestation risks. According to EuroCommerce, retailers and wholesalers often manage thousands of in-scope products sourced through highly complex global supply chains.
“Our sector fully supports the fight against deforestation,” said Els Bedert, Director for Product Policy and Sustainability at EuroCommerce. “However, considering the impact on retailers and wholesalers — which are very different in set-up, product scope and range — clarity and practicability of the rules is indispensable to avoid trade disruption affecting supply chains.”
While the organisation welcomed clarifications regarding supply chain responsibilities, re-imports, and re-exports, it also warned that newly proposed product additions would create further compliance work and require additional supplier coordination.
EuroCommerce is calling on the European Commission and EU member states to ensure:
- publication of the delegated act by 30 June at the latest,
- at least six months for businesses to adapt systems and processes,
- a fully functional TRACES information system before implementation,
- and a coordinated enforcement approach across the EU single market.
The organisation also stressed the need for a transition period focused on guidance and support rather than punitive enforcement as companies adapt to the new framework.
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