On 21 October 2025, the European Commission published new implementation proposals for the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR).
>These measures aim to help companies meet compliance requirements and strengthen oversight of deforestation-free supply chains.
>The EU Deforestation Regulation 2025 (EUDR) forms part of the EU’s wider sustainability agenda to prevent products linked to deforestation from entering the EU market.
Read the official European Commission press release here.
Implementation timeline:
Large and medium-sized companies must submit due diligence statements from 30 December 2025, with a six-month grace period before enforcement begins.
SME compliance deadlines:
Micro and small enterprises will have until 30 December 2026 to comply with the EU Deforestation Regulation 2025 requirements.
Simplified responsibilities:
Only the operator placing the product on the EU market must submit due diligence statements.
Downstream operators and traders will no longer be required to do so.
These proposals will take effect once the European Parliament and Council adopt the targeted amendments to the EUDR.
The EUDR will impact cosmetic brands, manufacturers, and raw material suppliers trading in the EU.
Companies should start mapping their supply chains, collecting traceability data, and strengthening responsible sourcing policies.
At gcrs group, our team supports businesses in developing practical compliance strategies that align with evolving EU regulations.
We help brands prepare for new sustainability and due diligence laws, including the EU Green Claims Directive and Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD).
To ensure readiness ahead of the EU Deforestation Regulation 2025, businesses should review supplier declarations, verify data accuracy, and document traceability.
gcrs group provides comprehensive Compliance Services and Auditing Services to help brands meet EU and UK market requirements.
For guidance on building sustainable supply chain systems, visit our Testing Services page or contact our compliance team for tailored support.
The EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) is a law designed to prevent products linked to deforestation or forest degradation from entering the EU market. It requires companies to prove that their goods are produced on land that has not been deforested after 31 December 2020.
Large and medium-sized companies must begin submitting due diligence statements from 30 December 2025, while small and micro-enterprises have until 30 December 2026 to comply.
Only the operator placing a product on the EU market must submit due diligence statements. Downstream operators and traders are exempt under the new proposals.
Cosmetic brands, manufacturers, and suppliers sourcing ingredients from agricultural commodities such as palm oil, soy, or cocoa will need to verify that these materials are deforestation-free and traceable through the supply chain.
gcrs group provides expert support for EU and UK regulatory compliance, including auditing, documentation, and traceability checks. Our Compliance Services and Auditing Services help businesses prepare for upcoming EUDR obligations and implement robust due diligence systems.