What the EU deforestation regulation means for NZ exporters
The European Union Deforestation Regulation came into effect on 29 June 2023. It’s a law to ensure that products imported to the EU have not contributed to:
- global deforestation
- degradation of forest ecosystems.
Among the 7 commodities and their related products affected by the law are beef meat, leathers, and wood products.
New Zealand exporters of the specified commodities will have to follow due diligence requirements for their products to be placed on the EU market.
What the regulation says
The regulation requires certain agricultural and wood products to be derived from land that has not been subject to deforestation or forest degradation after 31 December 2020.
Businesses that trade within the EU will have to complete due diligence requirements before placing these products on the EU market, regardless of whether they are sourced domestically or imported.
There are transition periods to meet these due diligence requirements, which expire on:
- 30 December 2024 for large businesses
- 29 June 2025 for small businesses.
Company size thresholds are defined in the regulation, and are based on balance sheet, turnover, and employees.
What you must do to meet the EU deforestation regulation
By 29 June 2025, all operators placing relevant commodities on the EU market must have documentation demonstrating that relevant commodities:
- are derived from land that has not been subject to deforestation or forest degradation after 31 December 2020
- were produced in accordance with the relevant legislation of the country of production
- are covered by a statement confirming due diligence has been completed.
This means New Zealand exporters will need to provide documents demonstrating that all relevant commodities entering the EU market are deforestation-free.
Find out what must be included in due diligence statements
Commodities covered by the regulation
The regulation requires producers to provide documentation on 7 commodities and their related products.
- Cattle.
- Wood.
- Cocoa.
- Coffee.
- Oil palm.
- Rubber.
- Soya.
Derived products like chocolate are included but not dairy products.
Products are not subject to the requirements if they are not listed in Annex I of the regulation. For example, soap is not included even if it contains palm oil.
Refer to Annex I to see all commodities and related products – EUR-Lex
Risk levels for countries are being assessed
The European Commission is assessing country risk levels for deforestation and forest degradation, which is due to be completed by 30 December 2024. Country risk classifications determine the level of checks carried out by EU authorities on operators.
Find out more
Frequently asked questions and tools for EUDR implementation – European Commission
Implementation of the EU deforestry regulation – Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (NZ)
