The EUDR Regulation, the European Union's regulation on deforestation-free products, introduces traceability requirements for certain goods imported into, placed on the market in or exported from the European Union.
For businesses involved in international shipping, this regulation means paying particular attention to product origin and the documentation required for their marketing and transport. Raw materials such as coffee, cocoa and wood, as well as certain products made from them, fall within its scope.
But which products are affected by the EUDR? When do the new obligations apply? And what documentation should a business prepare before arranging a shipment?
Regulation (EU) 2023/1115, known as the EUDR (EU Deforestation Regulation), aims to reduce the European Union's contribution to deforestation and forest degradation associated with the production and marketing of certain commodities.
The regulation establishes three fundamental requirements for products within its scope:
These obligations do not apply exclusively to imports from non-EU countries. The EUDR also covers products marketed within the European Union and goods exported to international markets.
As explained by the European Commission, the specific requirements depend on the product and the role each business plays in the supply chain.
The EUDR focuses on seven commodities linked to deforestation and certain products derived from them:
Important: not all products containing these commodities are automatically subject to the EUDR. To determine whether a product is covered, its customs tariff classification must be checked against the current Annex I of the Regulation.
In July 2026, the list of affected products was updated, with specific exclusions and additions. Businesses marketing wooden furniture, food products or industrial goods should therefore check the specific characteristics of their products before determining whether they are affected.
Although the EUDR Regulation was adopted in 2023, its application has been postponed to give businesses and control systems more time to adapt.
According to the European Commission's official timetable, the general application dates are 30 December 2026 for medium-sized and large operators and certain small operators previously subject to the EU Timber Regulation, and 30 June 2027 for most micro and small operators benefiting from the postponement.
Some products added to the scope of the regulation in 2026 have a specific application date of 30 December 2027. The applicable date depends on the business, its role and the goods concerned.
The following table summarises the company classification thresholds. It is intended as a general guide and does not replace verification of the legal criteria applicable to each business.
| Category | Balance sheet total | Annual turnover | Employees | General application date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Microenterprise | Up to €450,000 | Up to €900,000 | Fewer than 10 | 30 June 2027* |
| Small enterprise | Up to €7.5 million | Up to €15 million | Fewer than 50 | 30 June 2027* |
| Medium-sized enterprise | Up to €25 million | Up to €50 million | Fewer than 250 | 30 December 2026 |
| Large enterprise | Above the medium-sized enterprise thresholds | Above the medium-sized enterprise thresholds | 250 or more, according to the applicable classification | 30 December 2026 |
How to interpret the table: employee numbers and financial indicators are assessed according to the applicable classification rules; not all thresholds need to be exceeded simultaneously. Data from linked or partner enterprises may also be taken into account. *Exception: certain micro and small enterprises previously subject to the EU Timber Regulation (EUTR) have a general application date of 30 December 2026. Some products added in 2026 also have specific application dates. Consult the European definition of an SME and the EUDR guidance before determining your category.
One of the main changes introduced by the EUDR is the need to demonstrate the origin of certain goods and verify that they meet the sustainability and legality requirements established by the European Union. However, not all businesses in the supply chain have the same responsibilities.
Operators that place affected products on the European market for the first time, or export them where applicable, must carry out the due diligence checks required by the regulation. This process includes collecting information about the origin of goods, verifying their traceability, assessing potential risks of non-compliance and taking measures to mitigate those risks when necessary.
Businesses that purchase or market products that have already undergone these checks may be subject to different obligations, mainly related to retaining information and identifying their suppliers.
The amendments introduced in December 2025 simplified certain obligations for downstream operators and traders, with the aim of avoiding duplication of checks throughout the supply chain.
The European Commission's guidance on roles and responsibilities explains the differences between the various operators.
For businesses importing or exporting products covered by the regulation, having the correct documentation available before arranging transport will be essential to avoid complications.
The information that may be required includes:
The due diligence statement, known as a DDS, is one of the mechanisms established by the EUDR to demonstrate that the required checks have been carried out.
Where submission is required, the responsible operator must submit it through the information system provided by the European Commission. This process generates a reference number that may be required for certain customs procedures.
However, businesses dealing with products that have already been verified may be subject to different procedures, without having to submit a new statement at every stage of marketing.
Therefore, before preparing a shipment, it is important to identify who is responsible for EUDR compliance and what information must be provided to the professionals managing the operation.
The application of the EUDR introduces an additional documentation requirement for certain international trade operations. A business importing coffee from a non-EU country, for example, must check whether the goods are covered by the Regulation and whether it is responsible for demonstrating their origin through the due diligence procedure.
Similarly, a business exporting wooden furniture from Spain must verify whether the products are subject to the EUDR and whether the relevant traceability information has already been managed at earlier stages of the supply chain.
In both cases, preparing documentation in advance can make the difference between a smooth operation and a logistics issue. Where required references or information are missing, authorities may request additional documentation, carry out checks or prevent certain goods from being cleared through customs until the irregularities have been resolved.
It is important to remember that EUDR requirements are separate from standard customs procedures. A due diligence statement does not replace commercial invoices, customs declarations or obligations relating to duties and taxes.
Although obligations vary depending on the type of business, certain measures can help make the transition to the new regulation easier.
Integrating these checks into standard purchasing, export and logistics procedures can help reduce complications and avoid last-minute arrangements, particularly for businesses that regularly make international shipments.
The evolution of European regulations shows that international shipping involves much more than moving goods from one country to another. Proper documentation, coordination with suppliers and planning customs procedures are essential for businesses operating in international markets.
At Mail Boxes Etc., we help businesses organise their domestic and international shipments through transport solutions tailored to their needs, personalised advice and support with the customs documentation associated with their operations. Thanks to our experience in international shipping for businesses, we can help you plan your shipments, assess different transport options and prepare the information required to manage your goods.
Discover our international shipping solutions and contact your local MBE Centre to find the most suitable option for your business.
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