06 Dec 2024
by Helen Dunn

EUDR - Important Update

Postponement of EUDR (EU Deforestation Regulations) for 12 months has been confirmed!

The European Peoples Party (EPP) has withdrawn its amendments to the EUDR and representatives from the European Parliament, the Council of the European Commission again have agreed on a proposal to delay the EUDR by one year.

The parliament's environment committee is now expected to formally sign off on a one year postponement and this should be voted through by the parliament's plenary during the week commencing 16 December 2024. It will then be published in the EU official journal and come into force three days later.

The provisional agreement confirms the proposed new dates of entry into force:

  • 30 December 2025: EUDR enters into force
  • 30 June 2026: EUDR provisions applicable to small and micro companies
  • 31 December 2028: EU Timber Regulation is no longer applicable

This is good news for all those struggling with how to comply when exporting to the EU. It will give the industry some breathing space to allow time for conversations with suppliers.

Traces
Traces is the EUDR Information System that will be used to pass Reference Numbers through the supply chain. UK companies who export regulated items to Europe can now also login to ‘Traces’ which will make complying with EUDR a little simpler.

The UK were to be excluded from accessing this system, but you can now register on Traces – although please be aware that the system does not yet allow for the submission of due diligence statements.

Register for EORI (Economic Operators Registration and Identification)
To use the Traces EUDR information system, you will need an EORI (Economic Operators Registration and Identification) number. This will allow you to use the system to provide EU customers with the necessary due diligence information.

Training for EORI
Training sessions for Traces explaining the functionalities of the system are currently taking place with further training to be announced. We would urge companies to register early and well ahead of 30 December 2024 to benefit from these free training sessions.

Transitionary Period 
For any raw materials (paper & boards etc) already on the market between 19 June 2023 and the proposed delayed date of 30 December 2025 will need additional DDS requirements above those that EU companies are required to submit. 

There is a risk that materials in the supply chain during this transition period will not have Reference Numbers assigned.
 
Northern Ireland 
Unlike England, Scotland and Wales - Northern Ireland will require a 'Competent Authority' to manage EUDR.  This remains a matter under discussion in the province, again once we are aware of the outcome this will be shared but please feel free to get in touch in the meantime if you have any questions or concerns.

Ongoing Support  
Our partner, BPIF are working with Intergraf to update the FAQ and Guidance documents – this will be released in the coming weeks.

EUDR Guidance 
The updated European Commission’s guidance on EUDR has been published in the Official Journal of the European Union.

Download today for more information:


 

 

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