EUDR requirements: a practical starting guide

A concise overview for businesses checking whether products fall under Regulation (EU) 2023/1115 and preparing a due-diligence workflow.

1. What EUDR is designed to require

EUDR applies to listed products associated with seven commodity families: cattle, cocoa, coffee, oil palm, rubber, soya and wood. Businesses should not decide scope from the commodity name alone: the product must be checked against the current Annex I CN classifications.

2. Current application dates

The current EU timetable provides for application from 30 December 2026 for large and medium-sized operators and specified operators, and from 30 June 2027 for other micro and small operators. Company role, size and product history can affect the analysis.

3. Core due-diligence information

Depending on the applicable obligation, the due-diligence process includes collecting product and supply-chain information, including origin and production information. Geolocation of the relevant plots of land is a central data requirement for covered commodities.

4. Risk assessment and mitigation

Operators must assess the risk that relevant products do not meet EUDR requirements. Where the risk is not negligible, proportionate mitigation steps and additional evidence may be necessary before placing products on or exporting them from the EU market.

5. Product-scope changes matter

The Commission updated the product scope in July 2026. Among the changes, certain product categories were removed while soluble coffee, certain palm-oil derivatives and frozen cattle tongues were added. Always verify against the latest official Annex I rather than relying on older product lists.

6. Practical preparation checklist

Start by confirming the product CN code, mapping suppliers and production sites, collecting geolocation and production evidence, documenting legality information, defining the risk-assessment method, and assigning ownership for the required declaration or due-diligence record.