EUDR: Proving Your Materials Are Deforestation-Free
EUDR applies if your textiles contain viscose, lyocell, modal, natural rubber, or leather. You must prove materials weren’t sourced from deforested land. Following the December 2025 revision of application dates: 30 December 2026 for all operators except certain micro and small operators (under 50 employees and under €10 million related turnover), who have until 30 June 2027. Verify dates as implementing acts are updated.
The EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) prevents trade in products linked to forest destruction. For textile exporters, this applies if you use certain plant-based fibres or natural materials.
EUDR compliance is about proving your supply chain — showing where your materials come from and that they weren't produced on deforested land.
Which Materials Trigger EUDR?
EUDR applies if your products contain:
- Wood-based fibres — Viscose, lyocell, modal (regenerated cellulose fibres from wood pulp)
- Natural rubber — Used in elastic components and shoe soles
- Leather — From livestock raised or grazed on deforested land
If you use none of these materials, EUDR doesn't apply to you. If you use any of them, you must comply.
What You Must Do
Provide a Deforestation-Free Declaration
You must prove that your products and source materials are deforestation-free. This declaration must be backed by documented evidence from your suppliers — not just your word.
Map Your Supply Chain
Maintain detailed records showing geographic origin of raw materials (country or region of sourcing), supplier names and contact information, and certifications or third-party verification documents.
Build this traceability system now. You'll need it for audits and buyer requests.
Your Compliance Timeline
After the December 2025 revision to application timelines:
- 30 December 2026 — Due diligence, reporting, and traceability obligations apply for all operators other than micro and small enterprises as defined in the regulation (fewer than 50 employees and less than €10 million annual turnover in the relevant sense).
- 30 June 2027 — Micro and small enterprises have an extended deadline.
These dates supersede older “end of 2026 for medium/large / mid‑2027 for small” wording you may still see in secondary sources. Always confirm against EUR-Lex and Commission guidance for your role in the chain (operator vs trader).
Practical Steps
- Audit your suppliers — Especially those providing viscose, modal, lyocell, rubber, or leather
- Request EUDR documentation — Ask suppliers for deforestation-free certificates or credible third-party verification (FSC, PEFC, or equivalent where applicable)
- Build your geolocation records — Map where materials originate at country or regional level
- Maintain organized documentation — Keep all evidence accessible for audits and buyer requests
Related on this site
- Sustainability routing — which rules apply to you
- Sustainability disclosures matrix — traceability-style evidence
- Forced labour regulation — separate labour-risk market access tool
- REACH — chemical compliance for the finished article
What Should You Do Next?
Check EUDR scope for your materials with a free compliance assessment and a practical documentation plan.