UNEP-WCMC and the Institute for European Environmental Policy (IEEP) are embarking on a new project to support the European Commission in the implementation of the European Union Deforestation-free Regulation (EUDR).
Agricultural expansion is a major driver of deforestation, forest degradation and biodiversity loss. In recent years, over 90% of tropical deforestation has been either indirectly or directly driven by agriculture. Life on Earth relies on its forests – they help to regulate local and global climate and house an abundance of species. Agricultural drivers of deforestation include the production of many important commodities, from soy to cocoa – yet, when produced sustainably, these commodities can feed populations and support livelihoods. To safeguard the climate that we all depend on, and to continue to obtain these commodities, it is key that production is free from deforestation and that trade is sustainable and respects the rights and needs of producers and forest-based communities.
This is where the EUDR comes in – an EU law to ensure that trade tied to EU markets does not drive global deforestation or degradation. In practice, the EUDR requires companies to meet strict no-deforestation requirements to import and sell their products across EU markets, or to export them from the EU. The legislation applies to specific agricultural commodities, namely cattle, cocoa, coffee, palm oil, rubber, soy and wood. This includes products derived from these items, for example, milk chocolate made from cocoa, beef from cattle, or a wetsuit made from rubber.
Together with experts from the Institute for European Environmental Policy (IEEP), UNEP-WCMC will be supporting the EU Commission in the implementation of the EUDR as it enters into application for medium and large companies (‘operators’ and ‘traders’) on 30 December 2025. Our team contains experts across a diversity of disciplines, from biodiversity scientists to strategic communicators.
Supporting smooth implementation of the EUDR
To support companies to comply with the regulation, the European Commission has made available a range of supporting materials, including frequently asked questions (FAQs) and guidance documents. The Commission is also consulting with a wide range of stakeholders to understand their needs and potential barriers to implementation.
Going forwards, UNEP-WCMC experts will consider the questions raised in these consultations and help to ensure the FAQs remain up to date and useful, whilst playing a key role in enhancing the guidance to enable companies to adhere to the legislation.
A critical component of this work is assessing the impact of the regulation. Our team will also monitor changes in trade patterns and in the broader policy landscape, to help the Commission identify emerging trends, challenges and signs of success. This work will provide real insights into the implementation and impacts of the EUDR in its early stages.
Communicating the Regulation to a variety of stakeholders
While the EUDR enters into application for large and medium companies this December, it does not do so for micro and small companies until 30 June 2026. Smaller companies will have different support needs, requiring new analyses and uniquely tailored guidance and support.
Our team will continue to engage with Member States and relevant stakeholders as the legislation progresses to ensure guidance is up to date and relevant for all who need it, from large-scale operators to smallholder farmers. This guidance will take many forms, from updated documents to virtual training. The team will also develop communication materials, such as infographics, to further explain how to successfully navigate the EUDR.
Implementing new legislation always presents new challenges. Ensuring the EUDR is universally understood and well implemented is no easy task. Our ambition is that our support to the Commission contributes to enabling deforestation free trade – trade that supports biodiversity for people and the planet.
Please email deforestation-free@unep-wcmc.org with the subject ‘EUDR 2025 Blog Query’ with any questions relating to this work.
Main image: Aerial view of Amazon rainforest in Brazil, South America, Adobe Stock.
