EUDR: a preparation guide for hardwood buyers

Check which rules apply to your business

The EU Deforestation Regulation concerns specified commodities and products, including covered wood products. Your obligations depend on the product code, business role and size, and the applicable transition provisions. Do not treat every wood transaction as having identical requirements.

Application dates to plan around

The European Commission overview, checked on 18 September 2026, lists 30 December 2026 for large and medium operators and 30 June 2027 for micro and small operators. Micro and small operators already covered by the EU Timber Regulation are listed for 30 December 2026. Recheck the official guidance before relying on a deadline; the framework has been amended.

Build a usable evidence trail

Identify the relevant products and responsible operator. Request the information needed to connect wood to its harvest origin, including geolocation where required, species, quantity and evidence of legal production. Assess deforestation and forest-degradation risks using the applicable rules, and resolve gaps before placing a covered product on the market.

Certification is supporting evidence

A certification label does not automatically establish EUDR compliance or transfer your legal duties to the certification body. Assess the actual records and supply chain; arrange any required due-diligence statement through the official process.

Use the Commission's current guidance, FAQs and competent-authority contacts for your particular circumstances. This overview is educational, not legal advice or an automated compliance determination.

Sources & further reading

• European Commission — EUDR overview and guidance

Source links checked 18 September 2026. ClearSource editorial summary; not a legal opinion, audit or product certification. Official sources govern current requirements. Recheck them before a transaction.