A reaction to deforestation, but on which products?
Previously, we told you that the EUDR was an expression of the determination of the various European authorities to take action against deforestation. In other words, the contribution of the European Union market to forest degradation and deforestation, through the consumption of certain products.
To reduce the EU's share of global deforestation and forest degradation, the EUDR has focused on a limited number of products for the time being. In fact, the work and studies carried out in preparation for the introduction of the regulatory framework governing this regulation were aimed at identifying the products whose consumption within the EU represents the main factor in deforestation or forest degradation. These established that the reduction in negative impacts correlated with EU consumption could be drastically reduced by including the 8 products mainly responsible for deforestation, namely: wood (9%), oil palm (34%), cocoa (8%), coffee (7%), soy (33%), rubber (3%), and cattle (5%). (1) It should be noted that this regulation may be extended to other products, such as corn.
The regulation therefore distinguishes between two types of products: those “directly” concerned by the legislation, and their derivatives (2), for which the regulation aims to reduce the deforestation and/or forest degradation associated with them, by regulating their placing on the EU market, or their export.
Consequently, the marketing of these products and their derivatives is subject to compliance with 3 principles: zero deforestation, production in accordance with the relevant legislation in force in the country of production, and a Due Diligence declaration prior to marketing. In other words, the products concerned and their derivatives can only be marketed if they have undergone a Due Diligence process as proposed in the regulations. Products must therefore comply with the laws in force in the countries of production, and be traceable right back to the production plot.
In the following articles, we will look at the principle of Due Diligence as governed by the EUDR, and its implications for both producers and importers.
(1) The percentage represents the relative share of each product in the deforestation associated with European consumption.
(2) It should be noted, however, that by-products do not include those that would otherwise have been considered waste.