Role of National Enforcement Authorities (EUDR)

National enforcement authorities are responsible for enforcing the EU Deforestation Regulation.

National enforcement authorities are crucial for the implementation and monitoring of the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). These authorities are responsible for ensuring compliance with the regulations in each EU member state, such as tracking violations and imposing penalties. One of their main tasks is to oversee due diligence obligations to ensure that companies do not source raw materials and products from recently deforested areas or similar productions. To verify this, companies must submit their due diligence declarations digitally through an information system accessible to the authorities.

The national authorities follow risk-based control plans based on experience, which must be updated annually, and are required to archive all control results for a period of ten years. In case of non-compliance with the EUDR, they can impose significant fines, seize goods, exclude from public procurement procedures, and issue trade bans.

Another important element is the digital networking of national authorities to enhance information exchange and coordination among them. Collaboration also occurs with the EU Commission, which provides support to national authorities in the form of guidelines and assistance. Thus, national enforcement authorities are the backbone of EUDR implementation and make a significant contribution to the harmonization and advancement of European policy to prevent deforestation.