26.07.2024
To help companies prepare for these new obligations, WWF has developed a practical EUDR guide for businesses.
The European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) will soon come into effect, starting in December 2024 and June 2025 for SMEs. This regulation aims to combat global deforestation. The EUDR imposes new requirements regarding product traceability, risk assessment, and mitigation measures. To help companies prepare for these new obligations, WWF has developed a practical EUDR guide for businesses, highlighting the essential steps to follow. Le Commerce du Bois is also preparing a due diligence reference framework to comply with EUDR requirements, which will be tailored to the obligations of wood product operators and traders. ATIBT is preparing the second part of the EUDR brochure, which will be a practical guide on certified supplies from the Congo Basin.
WWF Wood Risk Assessment Tool
In addition to the WWF wood risk assessment tool, this guide aims to help companies adopt responsible sourcing practices. The WWF "Forests Forward" program encourages private sector leadership in forest management. Through this program, WWF collaborates with pioneering companies in their sectors to increase their ambition, actions, and responsibility towards forests.
Beyond compliance: ambitious leadership
Although the EUDR represents a significant step forward, WWF believes that "it will not be sufficient on its own to drive the necessary changes for the protection of nature, climate, and human communities." Leadership is not just about regulatory compliance; it also involves going beyond. From the "Forests Forward" perspective, the EUDR should be a springboard towards even more ambitious goals.
That is why the WWF guide presents, with clear color-coding, WWF's recommendations that go beyond basic good practices and the benefits this can bring to both nature and businesses.
