Starting December 30, 2026, the EUDR (EU Deforestation Regulation) will come into effect. This article provides an overview of the regulation and explains what it means for companies involved in shipping goods. At nShift, we maintain close communication with carriers to implement any requirements they may have to support EUDR.
Learn about:
- What is the EUDR?
- Why was it introduced?
- Key compliance requirements
- What this means for shippers
- Key dates
- More information
What is the EUDR?
The EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) aims to ensure that certain products placed on or exported from the EU market are deforestation-free. Companies must prove that their goods do not come from land deforested after 31 December 2020.
The regulation applies to seven key commodities and their derived products: cattle, cocoa, coffee, palm oil, rubber, soy, and wood. Only products listed in Annex I of Regulation (EU) 2023/1115 and made from these commodities are subject to the regulation.
Why was it introduced?
The EUDR was created to:
- Reduce global deforestation and forest degradation
- Lower carbon emissions and combat climate change
- Increase transparency in supply chains and encourage ethical sourcing.
Key compliance requirements
Companies selling or exporting the listed commodities to the EU must:
- Provide geolocation data showing where the product was produced
- Prove the land is deforestation-free
- Demonstrate legal production in the origin country
- Submit a due-diligence statement before goods enter or leave the EU market
EUDR does not apply to products produced before June 29, 2023, second-hand or 100% recycled products and non-commercial shipments.
What this means for shippers
Shippers should expect:
- More documentation requirements (traceability data, due-diligence statements)
- Higher accuracy needs to avoid delays or shipment rejection
- Possible compliance checks at EU entry or exit points
- Adjustments to processes to support customer compliance
Shippers in Europe are directly affected because all in-scope goods must comply with EUDR rules. Non-compliant shipments may face delays, penalties, or removal from the market.
Shippers with strong digital documentation workflows will have a competitive advantage as compliance becomes mandatory.
Key dates
The regulation's deadlines have been delayed with new compliance dates:
- 30 December 2026 – Medium and large companies
- 30 June 2027 – Small and micro companies
After these dates, non-compliant products cannot be placed on or exported from the EU market.