EUDR Delay: Why Certification is Key to Staying Ahead in Compliance

The European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), initially set to take effect on December 30, 2024, has been delayed by one year.

The European Commission has proposed delaying the EUDR’s implementation by 12 months, shifting the start date to December 30, 2025, for large operators and traders, and to June 30, 2026, for smaller and mid-sized firms. This postponement is intended to give businesses and member states additional time to prepare for the regulation’s requirements, aiming to ensure a smooth and effective rollout.

While third-party certifications aren't officially required by the EUDR, they can be highly beneficial for companies sourcing targeted goods from countries subject to full due diligence requirements.

ISCC has developed an EUDR certification add-on that combines the EUDRx tool from GRAS (Global Risk Assessment Services), which facilitates accurate deforestation analyses via remote sensing technology, with legality checks during the on-site audit and consolidated reporting for due diligence statements. In addition, the application of the ISCC EUDR add-on makes it possible to receive data for due diligence statements and facilitates the transmission of relevant supply chain information.

Certification can also play a key role in supporting independent smallholders who might otherwise struggle to comply with the EUDR. While the Commission has released a new guideline and extended the FAQs, it has yet to offer a solution for how smallholders can provide the necessary geolocation data without external help. However, companies sourcing commodities from smallholders may lack the knowledge or tools to assist them. This is why the ISCC EUDR add-on can be essential to support this vulnerable group. It provides smallholders with a mapping app that allows them to collect accurate geographical data. These points or polygons are used to analyse deforestation risks and ensure traceability back to the specific plot of land.

Now that the Commission has provided new information and requested a delay, it is important that the time gained is used to ensure smooth and effective implementation. Strong partnerships with producing countries, a clear focus on halting deforestation, and targeted assistance – both resources and technical know-how – for smallholders will be essential. Meanwhile, companies should not postpone their efforts to implement the EUDR. They need to start immediately by either establishing their own control systems or by seeking third-party certification to ensure that they are ready when the regulation takes effect. This is a unique opportunity for companies to refine processes and position themselves as sustainability leaders. Establishing robust systems for monitoring and verifying supply chains can also set companies apart from their competitors. After all, it is never too early to start building deforestation-free supply chains.

Please contact us for more support regarding the ISCC certification and the EUDR Add-on.