Preparation for EUDR – New addendum to the FSC standard for verified wood origin
The European Union has adopted a new Regulation on Deforestation-Free Products (EUDR – EU Deforestation Regulation), scheduled to take effect on December 30, 2025.
The goal of this regulation is to ensure that only products which have not contributed to deforestation or forest degradation—and which originate from legal sources—are placed on the EU market. The regulated commodities include wood and wood-based products, as well as coffee, cocoa, soy, rubber, palm oil, and cattle.
Impact on Businesses
The EUDR significantly affects companies operating in wood processing, retail, export, forestry, agriculture, and food production sectors. Compliance with the new rules becomes mandatory, and non-compliance may lead to serious commercial consequences.
Key Benefits of the New EUDR Addendum
To comply with EUDR requirements, the regulation introduces several important innovations:
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Precise geolocation through mandatory collection of GPS coordinates of the harvesting location.
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Legality documentation, including proof of land ownership, harvesting permits, and adherence to the laws of the country of origin.
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Supply chain traceability by enabling full visibility from the raw material origin to the final product.
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Data digitalization through improved systems for storing, exchanging, and processing data throughout the supply chain.
These requirements set new transparency standards in the timber industry and help companies build trust with customers, business partners, and regulatory bodies.
How Can Companies Prepare?
All organizations that export, produce, or distribute wood and wood-based products must ensure that their raw materials have verifiable and traceable origin.
Recommended steps include:
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Updating internal procedures to align with EUDR requirements.
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Collecting and storing GPS data for all sourced raw materials.
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Training employees and suppliers on new obligations.
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Introducing digital tools for documentation management and compliance monitoring.
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Aligning contractual relationships with suppliers to secure necessary data.
Companies already participating in the FSC regulatory module may have an advantage, as this tool can facilitate easier demonstration of EUDR compliance.
Why It Matters
The EUDR represents a significant step forward in promoting sustainable business practices and protecting global forest resources. It is a tool that enables organizations to meet all regulatory requirements while ensuring uninterrupted access to the EU market.
Timely preparation and implementation of wood origin verification systems will not only help companies avoid regulatory obstacles, but also enhance their reputation, increase competitiveness, and contribute to environmental preservation.
Investing in transparency and sustainability is an investment in secure, long-term business operations.
More information about FSC standards can be found at the following link.