EUDR 101: Everything you need to know about compliance

The EUDR is the latest in a growing body of sustainability regulations. In this post, we’ve outlined everything you need to know about the EUDR to get compliant, whether you are directly or indirectly affected.

You’ll learn what the regulation is, who it applies to, when it takes effect and how to prepare. Let’s get stuck in.

What is the EUDR?

The EUDR is a regulation that enforces stricter traceability standards for goods to ensure they are not linked to deforestation or forest degradation. It introduces mandatory due diligence obligations for companies across global supply chains.

Why was the EUDR introduced?

The EUDR was created to reduce global deforestation. It aims to shift the market toward sustainable production by requiring traceability and legal sourcing of high-impact commodities.

It builds on the EU Timber Regulation (EUTR) and broadens the scope to include more commodities and stricter due diligence.

How is the EUDR different to other EU regulations?

While the CSRD and CSDDD focus on company-wide sustainability and corporate due diligence, the EUDR is product-specific. It mandates clear, traceable documentation proving that goods are deforestation-free—linking sustainability directly to specific commodities.

When does the EUDR go into effect?

Originally set to come into effect on December 30th 2024, the regulation has been postponed by one year, now starting on December 30th 2025. After this date, products placed on the EU market must meed the EUDR’s due diligence and traceability requirements.

Which products does the EUDR apply to?

The regulation covers seven commodities- cocoa, coffee, soya, palm oil, cattle, wood and rubber as well as by-products like chocolate, leather and furniture.

Full product list is found here.

Who is responsible for EUDR compliance?

Operators (those first placing products on the EU market) must submit a Due Diligence Statement (DDS).

• Traders also have obligations:

  • If you’re a non-SME trader, you have to do due diligence but you can refer to a previous DDS done previously in the supply chain.

  • SME traders can rely on the DDS provided by operators.

    
    

*Note: Non-SME traders and operators who are downstream can submit their own DDS by referencing all previous DDS received from their direct suppliers. Want to know if you are considered a downstream trader or operator?

Contact us for more information

Do non-EU producers need to comply?

Yes. Any of the products mentioned entering the EU market must comply, regardless of where it was produced. That includes goods made outside the EU and imported for sale within the region.

What happens if you don’t comply with the EUDR?

Penalties include:

• Fines (up to 4% of annual turnover)

• Confiscation of goods

• Restrictions on future EU market access

  Non-compliance may also damage your reputation and reduce consumer trust.

  
  

How do I comply with the EUDR?

As the EUDR comes into effect, many actors from retailers, traders & producers will face a major shift in obligations around transparency, traceability and risk management. Whether you’re placing products on the EU market or trading within it, the regulation requires robust due diligence to prove that products are deforestation-free.

Here at Agriplace we have compiled the most important questions to ask yourself in order to be ready for EUDR compliance.

The EUDR is built around three core obligations:

1. A due diligence statement

Each EUDR-regulated product entering the EU must be covered by a Due Diligence Statement (DDS) created in the EU Traces portal.

This due diligence statement includes

• A product description

• Quantity

• Geolocations of the land where the product was produced

• A statement confirming the product is deforestation and degradation free and complies with local laws

2. Risk Assessment

Companies must assess their supply chain at least annually - or more often if the supply chain undergoes changes, or is considered high risk.

A supply chain is primarily determined based on the country of origin. You can view the full classification of high, standard, and low risk countries here.

3. Risk Mitigation

If risks are identified during assessment, companies must take action before placing products on the market. This can include:

• Requesting additional documentation

• Requiring third-party certifications

• Commissioning audits

  
  

Understanding the three core obligations is a great starting point—but putting EUDR compliance into practice requires asking the right questions. From knowing whether your product is covered to understanding your role in the supply chain, clarity at each step will help ensure your compliance efforts run smoothly. Below, we’ve outlined some of the most important questions to guide your approach.

Are you considered an operator or a trader?

Operators are entities that place relevant products on the EU market for the first time or export them. They are always required to conduct due diligence and submit a DDS for each product batch.

Traders buy and sell products that are already on the EU market. Non-SME traders must also conduct due diligence and submit DDSs, while SME traders do not need to create a separate DDS. They can use the DDS they receive from the operators to ensure traceability.

How does the EUDR affect smallholders and producers?

Gathering consistent, verifiable data is essential.

Many suppliers - particularly smallholders outside of the EU may not be familiar with EUDR requirements. Ongoing education and proactive communication are key.

What risk level is the country you are sourcing from?

The European Commission has categorised countries into three risk levels based on their association with deforestation:

• Low-risk countries: Imports from these countries are subject to a minimum inspection rate of 1%. This means a minimum of 1% of operators or traders will be checked for compliance when placing relevant products on the market.

• Standard risk countries: Imports from these countries undergo compliance checks on at least 3% of operators or traders.

• High-risk countries These countries are identified as having a significant risk of deforestation. Imports from these countries are subject to compliance checks on at least 9% of operators or traders

Country risk level	Minimum inspection rate	Countries
Low Risk	1%	E.g. Argentina, Canada, Japan, USA,
Standard Risk	3%	E.g. Brazil, Indonesia, Malaysia, Nigeria
High Risk	9%	North Korea, Russia, Myanmar & Belarus

The full list of country classifications are here.

What should you do if risks are detected?

Per Article 11, any identified risks must be acted upon before continuing trade.

• Request more information e.g. obtain certificates

• Commission audits as part of a mitigation strategy

  
  

Which preventative measures can help reduce risks?

• Create sourcing policies

• Monitor with satellite data

• Set up approval rules for high-risk origins

  
  

Can you automate data collection?

Automating data collection can be a game changer, especially with the EUDR requirements. Since the EUDR requires you to submit repetitive data inputs, using digital platforms allows you to standardise and streamline how DDS data is gathered and validated.

What tools are available to support EUDR compliance?

While the DDS must be submitted through the EU's TRACES portal, Agriplace supports your compliance with tools to support you in risk assessment and mitigation.

With Agriplace you can:

• Map your supply chain including the products and regions that are most at risk.

• Conduct customised risk assessments on matters such as deforestation & indigenous rights

• Mitigate risks by setting supplier-specific requirement rules and automate document and certificate collection.

• Monitor supplier compliance status via our dashboard for an at-a-glance overview

  
  

Agriplace helps you reduce your manual work, identify high-risk areas, and ensure you’re always audit-ready.

Are you ready for EUDR?

EUDR compliance is a big step forward in traceable, sustainable supply chains. It brings transparency, accountability, and responsibility to the forefront of doing business in the EU.

Whether you’re a global trader or local producer, Agriplace helps you build a reliable, scalable compliance framework—so you’re ready when the regulation takes effect.

👉 Contact us today to learn how we can support your EUDR journey.