Wood products manufacturer vs. EUDR: How to comply with new regulations?
In the wood products manufacturing industry, one of the most important topics of recent months has been the implementation of the new EUDR (European Union Deforestation Regulation). Wood product manufacturers must now bring their processes into compliance with the regulation, which aims to reduce global deforestation and forest degradation. What obligations does this regulation impose, and what must entrepreneurs do to comply with the new requirements?
What is the EUDR?
EUDR, or European Parliament and Council Regulation (EU) 2023/1115, is a European regulation that aims to combat global deforestation and forest degradation, as well as protect the rights of indigenous communities. Under the regulation, companies dealing in deforestation-related goods, including wood, must do their due diligence to ensure that their operations are compliant.
The regulation also covers products such as beef, cocoa, coffee, palm oil, rubber and soy, highlighting its broad scope. For more details, visit the official website: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2023/1115/oj.
Responsibilities of the manufacturer of wood products
In order for a manufacturer of wood products to place its products on the EU market, it must meet a number of obligations under the EUDR. A due diligence statement is required, which must be submitted along with the corresponding customs declaration (if the goods are exported outside the EU). This document is intended to confirm that the wood products come from legitimate sources and do not contribute to environmental degradation.
What must the due diligence statement contain?
To demonstrate compliance with the EUDR, wood product manufacturers must:
- Collect information on: the quantity, type of product, location of the plot of origin of the raw material, time of harvest of the raw material, and species of wood.
- Conduct risk assessments to confirm product compliance with EUDR requirements.
- Collect additional documentation to minimize the risk of violations.
In Poland, work is underway to implement an information system that will allow these declarations to be made. It is expected that a centralized system, which will be controlled by state institutions, will soon be established.
The role of State Forests in meeting EUDR requirements
In the notice of the DIRECTOR GENERAL OF STATE FORESTS dated 08.07.2024, available at https://drewno.zilp.lasy.gov.pl/drewno/, one can learn that:
The State Forests carry out forest management taking into account the Due Diligence Principles System based on the Forest Law in force in Poland. The current timber tracking system operating within the organization is very precise and detailed. The European Commission, as part of the EUDR, has imposed an additional obligation on the State Forests – to provide purchasers with geolocation of the place of timber cut. Work is underway to adapt the current IT system to allow buyers to obtain such EUDR data.
This means that until this system is fully implemented, producers can only use approximate information on the location and time of harvesting. And meeting the requirements of risk assessment according to the EUDR is not possible.
Complience Ryba Wooden Products with EUDR
As a responsible manufacturer of wood products, our company already ensures compliance with national regulations, which is regularly inspected by authorities such as the Tax Office, Sanitary Inspectorate and State Labor Inspectorate. Compliance with these regulations is also a condition for passing an FSC audit.
All of our products, including wooden cutting boards, decorative trays, and wooden candle lids, are made to the highest standards, and we make sure they come from responsibly managed sources.
We are waiting for the guidelines
We are currently awaiting the designation of state institutions responsible for implementing the EUDR in Poland, which will issue guidelines for due diligence statements. As soon as they are published, our company will take all steps to comply with the new requirements.
In conclusion, the EUDR is a key regulation aimed at sustainable production and responsible management of natural resources. Manufacturers of wood products must keep abreast of these regulations and make every effort to ensure that their operations comply with the new requirements.
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