The EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR): the road to deforestation-free raw materials

The European Union is taking a major step in the global fight against deforestation with the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). For companies in the food industry, both in the Netherlands and Belgium, this means a significant shift in how raw materials are sourced, monitored, and documented. QA managers will play a key role in implementing and complying with this new regulation. But what exactly does the EUDR entail, where do we stand today, and how can your organisation best prepare?

Relevant legislation and transition periods

The EUDR (formally Regulation (EU) 2023/1115) was adopted to ensure that products entering the EU market do not contribute to deforestation or forest degradation and comply with the laws of the country of origin. The regulation formally came into force on 29 June 2023. Initially, application for businesses was scheduled for 30 December 2024, but after a first delay, implementation was postponed to 30 December 2025. Recently, the European Council approved a second one-year extension. As a result, operators and traders must now comply by 30 December 2026. For micro and small enterprises established before 31 December 2020, an additional transition period applies until 30 June 2027. This extension does not apply to micro or small enterprises already active in the timber sector. For the exact definition of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises, refer to Article 3 of EU Directive 2013/34.

The core of the EUDR

The EUDR requires companies to trace raw materials and products linked to deforestation. This applies to both direct and indirect suppliers and covers a wide range of raw materials commonly used in the food industry. QA managers must understand which raw materials are explicitly covered by the regulation. These include soy, palm oil, cocoa, coffee, and timber products, as well as meat and products from cattle, sheep, goats, and pigs when sourced from areas where deforestation occurs. This concerns not only primary raw materials but also derivatives and processed products containing these ingredients. The goal is clear: products entering the European market must not contribute to illegal deforestation in the country of origin.

Where do we stand now?

Currently, many companies are in a transition phase. In the Netherlands and Belgium, most food businesses are already familiar with complex traceability systems for food safety, certifications such as FSSC22000, BRC, or IFS. However, the leap to EUDR compliance goes beyond simply expanding existing systems.

A major challenge is that many raw materials come from countries where reliable deforestation data is lacking or difficult to verify. Supply chains are often long and complex, with multiple links between producer and end product. This makes gathering trustworthy information on deforestation-free production complicated.

QA managers also note that awareness and knowledge within supplier networks are not yet at the same level everywhere. Not every supplier understands EUDR obligations, and uniform methods to guarantee deforestation-free origin are often missing. This calls for close collaboration and clear communication across the entire chain.

The road ahead: what’s coming?

The EUDR is more than a paper exercise; it represents an active responsibility for companies serving the European market. Once fully implemented, organisations must demonstrate that they have carried out adequate due diligence. This means not only verifying the origin of raw materials but also having risk analyses, supplier audits, and traceable documentation in place.

For QA managers, this makes their role strategic and integral. No longer limited to checking finished products, they will be actively involved in designing and monitoring due diligence processes. Data integrity becomes critical: errors or gaps in documentation can lead to legal risks, reputational damage, or even loss of access to the European market.

Another key development is the increasing digitalisation of traceability systems. Advanced tools such as blockchain, satellite monitoring, and automated reporting can help collect reliable data on raw material origins. QA managers should be aware of these technologies and assess which best fit their organisation.

Preparing for EUDR compliance

Effective preparation starts with a thorough internal analysis. Map out which raw materials fall under the EUDR, which suppliers are involved, and what information is currently available. This helps identify gaps in data and processes.

The next step is setting up a structured due diligence system. This includes defining risk areas, recording supplier information, conducting periodic audits, and establishing control points in the production chain. It is crucial that this system is both robust and flexible, so it can adapt to changing regulations and new insights into deforestation risks.

Collaboration with suppliers and chain partners is essential. EUDR compliance is a shared responsibility, and transparency and information exchange are not optional, they are mandatory. Implementing training programmes and workshops can help raise awareness and knowledge.

Finally, investing in monitoring and continuous improvement is key. EUDR compliance is not a one-off task; it requires ongoing evaluation of processes, risks, and supplier performance. QA teams can take the lead by systematically integrating analyses, reporting, and improvement measures into their quality management system.

Conclusion

The EU Deforestation Regulation is reshaping the playing field for the food industry. For QA managers in the Netherlands and Belgium, this means their role expands from traditional quality control to strategic due diligence and sustainability. Many companies are still in a transition phase, where existing systems must be extended and suppliers engaged in new obligations.

The road ahead calls for a proactive, structured approach: mapping raw materials, setting up reliable due diligence processes, collaborating with suppliers, and implementing monitoring and improvement programmes. Organisations that take these steps early will not only comply with the law but also strengthen their reputation and reduce future risks.

The message for QA managers is clear: the EUDR is not abstract policy; it is a practical challenge that demands vision, precision, and active involvement at every link in the chain. By preparing now, your organisation can successfully transition to a deforestation-free supply chain and set an example in sustainable food production.