L̲a̲t̲e̲s̲t̲ ̲d̲e̲v̲e̲l̲o̲p̲m̲e̲n̲t̲s̲ ̲a̲n̲d̲ ̲u̲p̲c̲o̲m̲i̲n̲g̲ ̲e̲v̲e̲n̲t̲s̲
Public consultation on aligning FSC Requirements
The FSC Regulatory Module forms part of FSC EUDR Aligned. It's a voluntary module that complements existing FSC certification requirements to support EUDR compliance. It presents additional forest management, chain of custody and controlled wood requirements for organizations looking to use their FSC certification to support their efforts to demonstrate compliance with EUDR. This module with related FSC requirements is being shared for public consultation.
- Public consultation on the module will be open from 1 February - 1 March 2024
- Join one of a series of webinars about the module during the course of February
- Stay informed on the evolution of the FSC Regulatory Module by checking the process page
FSC Blockchain
If you're an FSC licence holder and you want to learn more about the FSC Blockchain, which will help you meet EUDR traceability requirements, tune into one of the upcoming webinars.
EUDR: One year to implementation. A public webinar.
On 18 January, we hosted a webinar to share the latest EUDR developments and next steps towards our EUDR alignment. Did you attend? Tell us what you thought and sign up for an upcoming company survey to help us optimize our solutions to fit your needs.
Watch the recording now → Click here.
How is FSC addressing EUDR?
FSC EUDR Aligned will provide integrated solutions to support compliance
FSC continues to strengthen its system so actors throughout the supply chain can meet all aspects of EUDR and other relevant forestry legislation in Europe and across the world. FSC is leading systemic change and developing new technologies to help companies meet EUDR requirements.
From June 2024, FSC EUDR Aligned will provide a set of integrated tools that companies at any point in the value chain can use to meet EUDR legality, sustainability, and due diligence obligations. Targeted support will help companies adopt these tools ahead of December 2024 enforcement. Download the full fact sheet
It is important to note that, while schemes can help meet due diligence requirements, being certified does not automatically exempt companies from their EUDR duties. All relevant actors must play their part in the fight against deforestation.
Robust certification can help companies meet EUDR requirements. As one of the most robust sustainable forestry solutions, FSC is strongly aligned with the EUDR legality and sustainability requirements and can help companies assess and minimize the risk that relevant forest-based products come from a land which was deforested or degraded.
Thanks to involvement in the EU Timber Regulation (EUTR) – which was used to build the EUDR – FSC has acquired over 10 years of experience with the concept of due diligence and has supported companies and EU Competent Authorities in fighting illegal logging and deforestation across Europe and globally.
Learn more about the EUDR
Deforestation is a main driver of the climate and biodiversity crises, and the EU contributes to it by consuming a significant share of products associated with deforestation. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has found that halting deforestation and restoring ecosystems is one of the most efficient ways to reduce CO2 levels and thus fighting climate change.
The EUDR aims to ensure that a set of key products traded and consumed in the EU and globally no longer contribute to deforestation and forest degradation.
Which products does EUDR apply to?
The EUDR applies to wood, rubber, palm oil, soy, beef, coffee, and cacao. Wood products, which are most connected to harvesting, have additional 'degradation-free' requirements.
What does EUDR mean for companies?
While the EUDR is a European legislation, its implications are global. Companies placing or exporting the affected products in or from the EU market will have to conduct due diligence to confirm that the products have not been sourced from land which was deforested or degraded after 31 December 2020. Companies will also have to verify that these products are compliant with relevant legislation of the country of production, including respect for human rights, and the rights of affected Indigenous Peoples.
How will EUDR be enforced?
The EU Competent Authorities, which are yet to be nominated, will be the organizations in charge of enforcing and implementing the EUDR. They will have access to relevant information provided by the companies or credible voluntary systems, such as the geolocation coordinates of relevant commodities.
With the help of satellite monitoring tools and DNA analysis, they will check where products come from.
Timelines and what happens next
The EUDR entered into force on 29 June 2023 and the new rules will become applicable as of 30 Dec 2024. Exemptions and specific provisions will be applicable for micro and small enterprises (SMEs).
In the next 18 months the Commission will also benchmark countries, or parts of them, and will determine their levels of deforestation risk, which could be low, standard, or high. Products from low-risk countries will be subject to a simplified due diligence procedure. Assessments from the EU Commission may be revised over time. In parallel, FSC is assessing how its standards align with the EUDR while identifying required steps to further support operators and traders to comply with it.
Official information from the EU Commission
Contacts at FSC
Contact FSC EUDR task force
Send your questions and queries to our dedicated mailbox: EUDR@fsc.org.
Receive updates
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