The EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) is a new law that requires companies to prove that the products they sell in the EU are not linked to deforestation or forest degradation. It applies to several commodities and includes those commonly used in the textile industry.
The goal of the EUDR is to reduce the EU’s contribution to global deforestation and promote the use of traceable, responsibly sourced materials.
What is the EUDR?
The EU Deforestation Regulation came into force in June 2023 and will apply from 30 December 2024. It requires that certain products sold in or exported from the EU are:
Deforestation-free (not produced on land that was deforested after 31 December 2020),
Legally produced in the country of origin, and
Traceable to the plot of land where they were produced.
This applies to both EU and non-EU companies placing products on the EU market.
Which materials are in scope?
The regulation currently applies to seven key commodities and their derived products:
Cattle
Soy
Palm oil
Wood
Cocoa
Coffee
Rubber
Why this matters for brands:
Brands that use leather, rubber, viscose, packaging materials, or other forest-linked inputs may be affected.
For example:
Leather made from cattle requires proof that the animals were not raised on deforested land.
Natural rubber used in soles or accessories must be traced back to responsible plantations.
Packaging made from wood pulp must be verified as deforestation-free.
Who must comply?
All companies involved in importing, selling, distributing, or exporting products that contain materials in the scope of the regulation must comply—regardless of size or industry. Including: brands and retailers, traders, manufacturers, and raw material suppliers
Micro and small enterprises have longer timelines (by 30 June 2025), but will still be subject to the core requirements.
What are the key requirements?
Companies must carry out due diligence before placing affected products on the EU market. This includes:
1. Collecting information
Product type and quantity
Country of origin
Geolocation of production plots
Supply chain partners
2. Risk assessment
Evaluate if there is a risk of deforestation or illegality
Consider governance, corruption levels, and local enforcement in the origin country
3. Risk mitigation
If there is a risk, it must be addressed (e.g. through additional checks, documentation, or supplier engagement)
Only products with “negligible risk” may be placed on the EU market
A due diligence statement should be submitted before the product is sold or exported.
When does it apply?
Date | Who |
30 Dec 2025 | Large and medium sized companies |
30 June 2025 | Micro and small enterprises |
Non-compliance can lead to fines, market bans, and product seizures, as well as reputational damage.
How tex.tracer can support
EUDR compliance is data-driven and requires transparency. tex.tracer can help:
Map your supply chain down to raw material level
Collect primary-source data from partners
Record geolocation and timestamps for material origin (through order evidence)
Create an audit trail that supports due diligence
Flag potential risks and trace deforestation-sensitive inputs
By providing verified insights and full traceability, tex.tracer supports brands in building a responsible sourcing strategy that meets EUDR and other EU Green Deal regulations.
Key Takeaways
EUDR is mandatory from 30 December 2024
It affects any company selling products with leather, rubber, wood, or other in-scope materials
Full traceability and geolocation data are required
Due diligence must show products are deforestation-free and legal
tex.tracer helps simplify the compliance process with verified, traceable data