EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR)
What Shippers Need to Know About the EUDR
The EUDR is a new environmental regulation that will apply across the European Union (EU) as of 30 December 2026. It imposes due diligence requirements on importers and exporters, and other operators or traders, to ensure that commodities and products in their supply chains are deforestation-free.
To avert costly interruptions of import and export shipments at customs clearance it is key that shippers understand their role and responsibilities and take early actions to provide DHL timely with the necessary EUDR information.
What Products Are in Scope
All relevant goods are specified by good descriptions and 4-to-6-digit customs classification codes in Annex I of the EUDR. They include listed commodities, such as palm oil, cattle, soy, coffee, cocoa, timber, wood, rubber, and listed products derived from or containing one or more listed commodities (“EUDR goods”). Certain exemptions may apply based on the nature of the goods and their customs classification.
What Kind of Obligations Could Apply
All parties in the supply chain having the legal status of an Operator or Trader and particularly those intending to import or export EUDR goods must comply with applicable EUDR requirements. These may include following obligations, among others:
- The timely provision of Due Diligence Statement Reference Number(s) or Declaration Identifier(s)¹ for individual EUDR good(s) and/or any other necessary EUDR information required for compliance with the EUDR along the supply chain, including EUDR-specific TARIC codes for customs declarations.²
- The implementation of a due diligence, record keeping, and reporting system for relevant checks and mitigation of identified risks associated with EUDR goods.
- Where required, registration requirements and/or the submission of Due Diligence Statement(s) or one-time Simplified Declaration(s)¹ to the national competent authorities in the EU member states through the central EU information system TRACES.
What Does DHL Need From Shippers for Import and Export Customs Clearance
Every EUDR good imported into the EU or exported out of the EU must be covered by a Due Diligence Statement Reference Number(s) or Declaration Identifier(s)¹, which shippers must share (together with TARIC Codes) with DHL prior to lodging the respective customs declaration. Otherwise, customs authorities will likely not release EUDR goods at the external EU border. Providing correct and complete EUDR information early to DHL helps avoid delays and supports compliant customs clearance.
Footnotes
(1) Simplified requirements will apply to small- or medium-sized enterprises (SME) only as of 1 July 2026
(2) See TARIC the codes of individual for database for all measures on the Common Customs Tariff (CCT) and commercial and agricultural legislation.
