The EU Deforestation Regulation, or EUDR, is the EU's new regulatory regime intended to reduce Europe's impact on global deforestation.

The EUDR applies to seven commodities, those being timber, cattle, cocoa, coffee, palm oil, rubber and soya, as well as products derived from those commodities.

The EUDR therefore captures many different goods, from chocolate and furniture to tyres and printed books. Business will have to demonstrate that relevant products are deforestation free, have been lawfully produced in compliance with local laws and are covered by a due diligence statement.

The new regime represents a significant departure from the European Timber Regulation (EUTR), which it will replace in time. EUDR reflects both an EU policy shift away from limiting anti-deforestation efforts to illegal logging, as well as growing concerns that the previous EUTR regime was failing to achieve its aims, for example due to the inconsistency of enforcement.

EUDR will impact a far greater number of products than the previous timber-focused laws, will require more stringent supply chain due diligence, and will see those not in compliance facing considerably more robust penalties.