Imagine a land area the size of the European Union. More than that much forest has been lost globally due to deforestation during the past three decades. The area equates to around 10% of the world’s forests. Deforestation is also reportedly responsible for around 12% of global greenhouse gas emissions.

As a major development in its efforts to combat deforestation and forest degradation globally, the European Union is introducing EUDR, short for the EU Regulation on Deforestation-free Products. The regulation entered into force on 29 June 2023, and is currently in a transition period that ends on 30 December 2024.

EUDR replaces the EU Timber Regulation (EUTR) and extends mandatory due diligence requirements to new commodities. Under EUDR relevant commodities, such as wood, or products that contain or have been made using such relevant commodities, will be prohibited to be placed on the EU market or exported from the EU unless they meet the following criteria:

An 18-month transition period began when the EUDR entered into force on 29 June 2023. This transition period will end on 30 December 2024. 

Please note that, for small and micro undertakings, the transition period is extended to 24 months after entry into force – i.e., to 30 June 2025, if relevant products are not yet subject to EUTR. Find more information on the timelines of EUDR implementation here.

Responsible sourcing is a top priority for UPM and UPM Raflatac. We are aware of and committed to the obligations set in the EUDR. During the transition period, a dedicated project team is assessing the requirements and taking necessary measures to be compliant with the regulation by 30 December 2024. 

We are working on processes from sourcing to the customer end to meet all regulatory requirements and to ensure necessary data will be available to customers within the required timeline, subject to the delivery of the final instructions by the EU Commission.

Please be aware that our comments refer to the supply of labelstock and other self-adhesive products to our direct customers based on UPM Raflatac’s interpretation of publicly available information on EUDR in EU sources. We recommend customers to consider their own EUDR obligations when selling material to their own customers. UPM Raflatac does not offer legal advice or consult on EUDR compliance. We recommend inquiring guidance from the EU or a third party when determining the impact of the regulation to your own business activities.

This section will be updated according to available information (current update 24.09.2024). Please find the EUDR legislative text on the EU website (including Annex I and II of the regulation).