Differences between EUDR and EUTR

The EUDR and EUTR regulate timber trade and forest protection in the EU.

The EU regulations on deforestation-free, namely the EUDR (EU Deforestation Regulation) and the EUTR (EU Timber Regulation), are part of a comprehensive approach to combat global deforestation and illegal timber trade. The essential differences between these two regulations are initially evident in their scope. While the EUTR focuses exclusively on timber and related products, the EUDR extends its scope to a variety of raw materials, including cattle, cocoa, coffee, palm oil, rubber, soy, and timber, thereby capturing a broader range of producing and trading actors.

Another clear difference concerns the requirements for companies. The EUTR primarily targets companies that import timber products and includes an internal due diligence obligation to ensure legal origin, but without comprehensive reporting obligations for each trading transaction. In contrast, companies must provide a due diligence declaration for every shipment under the EUDR to demonstrate that their products are not only legal but also deforestation-free. This requires detailed geolocation data and precise documentation of the entire supply chain.

The EUDR aims to increase transparency and traceability by promoting the design of digital control systems and standardized reporting obligations. Considering the different assessments of risk countries, companies from low-risk countries benefit from eased requirements, while companies from high-risk countries are subject to stricter regulations. This approach represents the EU's ongoing commitment to environmental standards and forest protection.