Corporate law

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Compliance

ESG

Legally compliant realisation of theEU Deforestation Regulation

The EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) requires companies to prove that certain raw materials such as cattle, cocoa, coffee, oil palm, rubber, soya or wood are deforestation-free. Strict due diligence obligations have applied since 2024 (for SMEs Q2 2025), including the traceability of raw materials, risk assessments and detailed due diligence declarations. Violations can result in high fines and trade restrictions.

We help you to implement the EUDR efficiently and in a legally compliant manner – with individual risk analyses, practical software solutions and legal expertise. From the due diligence declaration to reporting, our compliance experts are at your side.

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This is how we cansupport you

Analysis incl. recommendations for action
We carry out an impact analysis and then a risk analysis. We develop customised recommendations for action and check whether you can build on existing due diligence and risk management processes.
Advice & implementation of follow-up measures
With legal expertise and practice-orientated software solutions, we support you in implementing all requirements and assist you, for example, in cooperating with local authorities and NGOs.
Support with reporting obligations
You can count on our support with the extensive reporting obligations to the EU Commission and the public. In particular, we prepare the complex due diligence declaration for you quickly, reliably and in compliance with the law.
Effectiveness test of the measures taken
In order to keep your measures up to date and ensure that all requirements are met, we offer you regular reviews of the measures taken and support you with any necessary adjustments.

What is theEU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR)?

The EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR, Regulation (EU) 2023/1115) aims to minimise global deforestation and forest degradation caused by consumption in the EU. It is part of the EU’s strategy to reduce its ecological footprint and fulfil international commitments (Paris Agreement, UN Sustainable Development Goals).

Since the 4th quarter of 2024 (for SMEs from the 2nd quarter of 2025), comprehensive compliance obligations apply to companies that place certain goods (cattle, cocoa, coffee, oil palm, rubber, soya, wood) on the EU market or export them. They must prove that their products are deforestation-free.

The core requirements are due diligence obligations, including the traceability of raw materials by means of geolocalisation of all relevant cultivation areas and detailed due diligence declarations. Companies must provide information on products, time of production and risk assessments of the country of production. Compliance requires internal process adjustments.

Violations can result in high sanctions such as

  • Compulsory fines and penalties (at least four per cent of annual turnover)
  • Temporary ban on placing relevant raw materials and products on the market
  • Temporary exclusion from public procurement
  • Reimbursement of the authorities’ financial expenses

What obligations docompanies have?

The EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) obliges companies to fulfil extensive due diligence obligations to ensure that certain raw materials and products made from them are deforestation-free and comply with legal requirements.

In contrast to the Supply Chain Due Diligence Act, which requires transparency along the supply chain, the EUDR demands a strict guarantee of conformity that goes beyond a mere duty of endeavour. Companies must actively prove that their products are not associated with deforestation or forest degradation.

The central duties include:

  • Duty of care (due diligence)

    • Collecting data on relevant raw materials and products, including geolocalisation of cultivation areas and information on compliance with local laws.
    • Risk assessment:
      Analysing the information collected to assess the risk of a link to deforestation or forest degradation.
    • Risk mitigation:
      Taking measures to minimise risk if a non-negligible risk is identified.

  • Declaration of due diligence

    Before placing relevant products on the market or exporting them, companies must submit a due diligence declaration confirming that the products fulfil the requirements of the EUDR. This declaration must be submitted electronically to the competent authorities.

  • Documentation and reporting

    Companies are obliged to document their due diligence procedures and to prepare regular reports on compliance with the EUDR.

Are you interested in anon-binding offer?

We help you to fulfil the requirements of the EU Deforestation Regulation safely and efficiently. Through targeted risk analyses, practical solutions and sound legal expertise, we ensure legally compliant implementation. We support you in the preparation of the due diligence declaration, co-operation with authorities and reporting obligations to the EU.

To ensure that your compliance is always up to date, we offer regular reviews and necessary adjustments. Let’s work together to develop a sustainable and future-proof strategy – contact us now!

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Your personal contact

Dr. Arnt Glienke, LL.M., CCPAttorney-at-law, Head of Legal & Consulting