EUDR (EU Deforestation Regulation) is a mandatory regulation by the European Union aimed at preventing deforestation and forest degradation linked to the production of agricultural and forestry products.

Effective June 29, 2023, EUDR requires all products in seven key commodity groups (cocoa, coffee, palm oil, rubber, soy, wood, and cattle) and their derived products (e.g., chocolate, furniture, tires) to:

1. Be deforestation-free (after December 31, 2020).

2. Comply with the laws of the country of production.

3. Have a Due Diligence Statement (DDS) submitted to the EU system before entering or leaving the EU market.

What is the EUDR Regulation?

What is the EUDR Regulation?

EUDR applies to:

• Operators – Entities placing EUDR products on the EU market for the first time or exporting them from the EU.
• Traders – Entities buying, selling, or distributing EUDR products within the EU but not acting as the original operator.

All businesses, regardless of size, involved in the EUDR product supply chain must carry out EUDR compliance – the process of meeting EUDR requirements.

What is EUDR Compliance?

EUDR compliance means meeting all regulatory requirements, including:

• Verifying that products are free from deforestation.
• Complying with relevant local laws (land use, environmental, labor, tax, etc.).
• Completing and submitting the DDS with precise geographic coordinates of production areas, legal documentation, and risk assessment reports.

What is EUDR Certification?

What is EUDR Certification?

Currently, the EU does not issue a single “EUDR certificate” like other standards.
However, to meet EUDR requirements, businesses often rely on international certifications as supporting evidence, such as:

• PEFC (Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification) – Sustainable forest management certification.
• FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) – Chain of custody certification for wood products.
• Certificate of Origin (C/O) – Providing information on raw material sources.

These certifications help businesses complete DDS requirements and build credibility with EU partners.

>> Read More: FSC, PEFC, and SFI Certifications

What is PEFC EUDR DDS?

PEFC: A global certification system ensuring sustainable forest management and legal sourcing of wood products.

EUDR DDS (Due Diligence Statement): The mandatory risk assessment report for EUDR products, which includes:

• Geographic coordinates of production areas.
• Legal evidence of compliance.
• Risk assessment and mitigation measures.

Using PEFC certification alongside a complete DDS greatly facilitates EUDR compliance.

>> Read More: Vietnam Wood Exports 2025: Growth Opportunities & Key Procedures

What are EUDR Standards?

What are EUDR Standards?

EUDR standards go beyond “deforestation-free” and cover:

• Environmental standards – Biodiversity conservation, emissions reduction.
• Social standards – Worker rights, Indigenous community rights (FPIC – Free, Prior and Informed Consent principle).
• Legal standards – Full compliance with land use, tax, trade, and customs regulations.

EUDR Compliance Timeline

• Medium & large enterprises: Mandatory compliance from December 30, 2025.
• Micro & small enterprises: Mandatory compliance from June 30, 2026.

The 2023–2025 transition period is critical for building management systems and preparing compliance documentation.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Penalties for Non-Compliance

• Administrative fines (minimum 4% of EU turnover).
• Ban from participating in EU public procurement.
• Import/export bans for non-compliant products.
• Seizure of goods.

Guidance for Vietnamese Exporters

EUDR is a mandatory regulation that significantly impacts agricultural and forestry exports to the EU.
Vietnamese businesses should act now:

• Verify the origin of their products.
• Collect and maintain DDS documentation.
• Use recognized certifications (PEFC, FSC) to strengthen compliance.

>> Read More: Vietnam Rubber Exports 2025: Opportunities & Challenges from the EU Market 

Contact Us for EUDR Compliance Support

Transport Vietnamese Woods to the EU

King Freight Logistics Vietnam (KFLV) – Your trusted international logistics partner for EU markets:

• EUDR documentation consulting to meet EU standards.
• DDS, C/O, and certification support.
• Multimodal international transport solutions for optimal time & cost.

Hotline: +84 (0) 938 188 796
Email: cs1@hcm.kfkingfreight.com