It’s common knowledge by now that the impacts of deforestation spread beyond losing a couple of trees — this practice can ruin entire ecosystems, with irreversible impacts, even if it’s due to “natural causes” like the Ash wood shortage.
That’s why the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) is an EU law that helps guarantee that high-risk goods don’t come from deforested areas. Ready to learn how? Keep reading for an overview of what EUDR-compliance means, what goods are affected, and what this means for lumber buyers doing business in the EU.
What Is the EUDR and When Does It Apply?
The EUDR is an expanded version of the former EU Timber Regulation (EUTR). All manufacturers must prove that any products or commodities are sourced from forests that haven’t experienced deforestation since the December 31, 2020 cutoff date.
It regulates products that are closely tied to environmental health:
- Wood
- Rubber
- Palm oil
- Beef
- Cacao
- Coffee
- Soy
The regulations also may cover items that use these materials, such as leather shoes with a rubber sole. All items that fall into these categories must comply with EUDR if they’re imported or exported from the EU.
How Do Companies Comply with EUDR?
The deadline for EUDR compliance depends on the size of the company:
- Large-to-medium-sized businesses must comply by December 30, 2025
- Small-to-micro-sized businesses must comply by June 30, 2026 Companies must obtain and submit due diligence reference numbers and demonstrate supply chain visibility to stay in compliance. This data will show that suppliers and manufacturers:
- Collect documentation proving goods aren’t sourced from deforested areas
- Determine the risk/likelihood that products aren’t in compliance with EUDR
- Assess and take appropriate measures to reduce the risk of their products breaking EUDR compliance
- Promotes ethical manufacturing: EUDR compliance requires better supply chain visibility. Beyond deforestation, this means suppliers will be able to keep a better eye on other ethical factors, such as fair labor.
- Contributes to a more eco-friendly economy: Purchasing goods from sustainably-managed forests supports a healthy carbon cycle and demonstrates demand for more ethical products. This encourages the rest of the market to follow suit.
- Legal protection: EUDR is a requirement for trading in the EU, so there can be legal repercussions for not following the guidelines. If your suppliers aren’t compliant, then they can be forced to stop shipments, impacting your bottom line.
What Does EUDR Compliance Mean for Hardwood Exporters?
Hardwood and lumber exporters must be EUDR-compliant when doing business in the EU. All products imported or exported from the EU must be deforestation-free, as defined above (remember: no deforestation since December 31, 2020).
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to due diligence for hardwood exporters. The goal is to prove to authorities that there is “negligible or no risk” that your hardwood comes from a forest where deforestation is a risk.
After the initial compliance deadlines, companies will need to reassess EUDR compliance each year, so this will be an ongoing effort to stay in compliance and provide environmentally-friendly lumber.
How Is Gutchess Lumber EUDR-Compliant?
Gutchess Lumber Co., Inc. is fully EUDR-compliant. European buyers don’t need to worry about where their American hardwood is coming from when they choose to work with us. Our standard practices like sustainable forest management, third-party audits, traceable supply chains, and transparent sourcing, set us apart from others and make us a safe choice for European buyers.
Why Does the EUDR Matter for Buyers?
EUDR compliance isn’t an option for doing business in the EU. Beyond the fact that it’s required, there are many other benefits of EUDR compliance:
Support Healthier Forests with Gutchess Lumber
There’s no need to worry about EUDR compliance if you work with a supplier you can trust. At Gutchless, all our products are EUDR-compliant. From rich Northern Red Oak to classic Black Walnut, we’ve been a reliable and ethical lumber supplier since 1904.
Contact us to see why so many trust Gutchess to supply sustainable lumber without compromising quality.
FAQ
What is the EUDR in timber?
EUDR is a regulation that affects timber and other goods traded in the EU. Suppliers and manufacturers must prove these goods aren’t supplied from deforested areas.
When does the EUDR come into effect?
The EUDR comes into effect on December 30, 2025 for large- and medium-sized businesses. For small and micro businesses, it comes into effect on June 30, 2026.
Where can buyers find EUDR-compliant hardwood?
Gutchess Lumber is a New York-based lumber manufacturer where buyers can find EUDR-compliant and FSC® certified hardwood.
