The European Union Regulation on Deforestation-free Products (EUDR) compliance with FSC and PEFC Chain of Custody schemes

PEFC’s Roadmap to EUDR Alignment: PEFC has a rich history of commitment to halting deforestation through sustainable forest management. The organization recognizes the importance of aligning its standards with EUDR requirements. PEFC’s certification serves as a valuable tool in preventing the flow of materials from deforested areas through third-party verification.
The PEFC certification, with over 10 years of experience in aligning with the EU Timber Regulation (EUTR), is well-positioned to help companies meet EUDR requirements. By addressing sustainability, legality, and due diligence through its Sustainable Forest Management and Chain of Custody standards, PEFC ensures that the flow of material from forests connected to deforestation and degradation is minimized.

While PEFC certification itself does not guarantee direct compliance with EUDR, it facilitates compliance by requiring companies to undergo a robust due diligence process. This process meets the requirements of the EUDR and is useful for companies to demonstrate their commitment to responsible sourcing. PEFC’s roadmap includes public consultations of EUDR-related standards and piloting testing, paving the way for the approval of standards in May/June 2024.

FSC’s Journey to EUDR Compliance: The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) shares a unified vision with EUDR in protecting global forests. FSC’s robust certifications already meet numerous EUDR requirements, and in some aspects, they exceed its scope and ambitions. Recognizing the significance of their role, FSC is set to launch the FSC EUDR Toolbox in June 2024, providing integrated tools to support companies throughout the supply chain.

The FSC EUDR Toolbox is designed to assist both operators and traders in meeting their EUDR obligations. By providing targeted support, FSC aims to empower companies to adopt these tools well in advance of the December 2024 enforcement date. This proactive approach ensures that stakeholders are well-prepared to navigate the challenges posed by the EUDR.

As the EUDR provisions approach entry into force, companies need to adapt their operations to sustainable and responsible sourcing in order to comply with the Regulation.  The standards and pro-actively developed tools of large organisations such as PEFC and FSC certification play a crucial role in helping companies along this path.

Sources: https://fsc.org/sites/default/files/2023-10/EUDR%20Factsheet.pdf
https://pefc.org/eudr

License code FSC-A000521