What EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) is all about

Implementing the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR)
Practical information and resources to support businesses and Member States in implementing EU rules on deforestation-free products. 

The EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) requires that, from 30 December 2026, products placed on, sold within, or exported from the EU are free from deforestation. The Regulation covers the commodities most associated with deforestation or forest degradation.  

The EUDR covers timber and six key agricultural commodities: cattle, cocoa, coffee, oil palm, rubber, soy, as well as products made from them such as beef, furniture and chocolate (printed products such as books and newspapers were removed from the scope of the regulation in December 2025).  

To be sold in or exported from the EU market, these products must meet the following three conditions:

1. Products are deforestation-free.
2. Products are produced in compliance with the relevant laws of the country of origin.
3. Products are covered by a due diligence statement, showing that the company has checked the origin and ensured the products meet EUDR requirements.

This means businesses must demonstrate that any EUDR-covered commodities were not produced on land that was deforested nor did they contribute to forest degradation after the Dec. 31, 2020 cutoff date. Although the regulation is legally in place, companies are not required to start complying until Dec. 30, 2026, for large corporations and June 30, 2027, for small enterprises.

Producers and companies in non-EU countries do not have obligations under the EUDR unless they place products on the EU market. However, non-EU producers and companies may still be asked to provide information — such as the locations where products were grown, harvested or raised — to help EU-based companies meet their requirements.  

To learn more about roles see the Understand roles and responsibilities webpage.

For further information on how the EU is addressing deforestation and promoting deforestation-free products, refer to the Deforestation and EUDR policy and legalisation homepages. 

For further information on EU and Member States’ support to partner countries, see the Team Europe Initiative on Deforestation-free Value Chains


Legislation repository & certification schemes repository (under construction)

The International Trade Centre (ITC) in cooperation with the Commission is currently developing two repositories: one repository listing relevant legislation of the country of production; and one repository on certification and third-party verification schemes applicable to EUDR-relevant commodities. The repositories will be launched ahead of the EUDR’s entry into application.

Regulation on Deforestation-free Products

EU rules to guarantee that the products EU citizens consume do not contribute to deforestation or forest degradation worldwide.

Overview

By boosting the consumption of ‘deforestation-free’ products and reducing the EU’s impact on global deforestation and forest degradation, the Regulation (EU) 2023/1115 on deforestation-free products (EUDR) aims to bring down greenhouse gas emissions and biodiversity loss.

The Regulation is a key part of the Commission's plan to tackle deforestation.

Together with cooperation initiatives, financial support and improved access to data and monitoring, the EUDR will reduce the EU's global footprint and support the transition to sustainable, deforestation-free value chains worldwide.

  
Objectives

The Regulation, adopted in 2023, aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and biodiversity loss by boosting the consumption of ‘deforestation-free’ products and by reducing the EU’s impact on global deforestation and forest degradation.

The rules are designed to:

    Ensure that products consumed in the EU do not contribute to deforestation or forest degradation in the EU or globally 
   Cut carbon emissions linked to EU consumption and production of the covered commodities by at least 32 million tonnes per year
    Address deforestation driven by agricultural expansion and forest degradation linked to the commodities in scope

Legislation

In December 2024 and December 2025, the EU amended the Deforestation Regulation, introducing simplification measures which will reduce administrative costs and burdens for companies covered by the Regulation.

The entry into application is:

    Large and medium operators: 30 December 2026
    Micro and small operators: 30 June 2027
    Micro and small operators already covered by the EU Timber Regulation (EUTR): 30 December 2026

Note: The new products added to the scope of EUDR by Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/2102 will become subject to the Regulation from 30 December 2027, to allow businesses sufficient time to prepare. This includes soluble coffee, certain palm oil derivatives and frozen cattle tongues. 

DANI wants authorities to clarify if the figure 58,000 raised by DOPPA refers to total number of independent oil palm smallholders

KUCHING, Oct 24 2026: Think tank Dayak Native Initiative (DANI) has called on the state authorities to clarify whether the figure of 58,000 raised by Dayak Oil Palm Planters' Association (DOPPA) refers to the total number of independent oil palm smallholders in Sarawak or those specifically identified as facing difficulties complying with the  European Union market following the implementation of the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR).

It also wanted to know, out of the total, how many are cultivate Native Customary Rights (NCR) land without sufficient documentation and how many of them are supplying their produce to palm oil mills or buyers linked to the EU market.

"The government should also clarify the plantation areas, production volume and income potentially affected. Have any buyer or mill already issued rejection notices, imposed additional requirements or announced changes to their purchasing policies?" DANI asked in a statement, in response to a statement by DOPPA on the possibility that approximately 58,000 independent oil palm smallholders in Sarawak could lose access to international markets due to the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), particularly those cultivating Native Customary Rights (NCR) land without formal land documentation.

It said this information is essential to assess the scale of the threat accurately and direct assistance to those who need it most.

DANI stressed that the public should not be given the impression that all NCR land without individual titles is automatically ineligible to supply produce to the EU market.

"The authorities must clarify what constitutes valid evidence of land rights and lawful land use under domestic law, and which supporting documents can be used to satisfy buyers’ due diligence requirements.

"If interim documentation is proposed, the government must explain its legal basis, the issuing authority and the measures to ensure its acceptance in the compliance process.

"At the same time, the issuance of land titles must be accompanied by assistance to meet other requirements, including mapping, geolocation, traceability and evidence that production meets deforestation-free requirements," DANI said.

It also called on the state government to disclose the current status of efforts to secure an exemption or recognition of the particular circumstances surrounding NCR land ownership in Sarawak, including any official response from the EU.

"However, the protection of smallholders must not depend entirely on the success of that request. The government must prepare an action plan in the event that an exemption is not granted," DANI said, urging both the state and federal governments, together with the relevant agencies, DOPPA, mill operators and buyers, to identify smallholders facing actual risks and determine the assistance they require;  set clear timelines for surveying and documenting NCR land already under cultivation; and provide technical and financial assistance for mapping, geolocation and record preparation.

DANI said they should obtain written clarification from buyers on the evidence required to demonstrate compliance; and publish regular progress reports, including the number of smallholders assisted and issues that remain unresolved.

DANI further stressed that compliance costs should not be borne entirely by smallholders with limited financial resources and technical capacity.

In response to DOPPA's statement, Kapit Member of Parliament Alexander Nanta Linggi has urged the state government to intensify and accelerate its efforts to survey, demarcate and properly document Native Customary Rights (NCR) land, particularly land already being cultivated by smallholders.

Nanta, who is also Works Minister, also said the state government should expedite the issuance of individual land titles to eligible NCR landowners so that they have proper legal documentation to establish their rights and support compliance with international market requirements.

271.18-ha area in Kayangeran Forest Reserve gazetted as Sarawak's first community amenity forest

LAWAS, Oct 24 2026: The Sarawak Government has approved the gazettement of a 271.18-hectare area in the Kayangeran Forest Reserve as the state's first community amenity forest, strengthening its role as a centre for education, research, recreation and environmental conservation.

Caption: Deputy Premier Awang Tengah Ali Hasan (second from right) being briefed on Kayangeran Forest Reserve

Deputy Premier Awang Tengah Ali Hasan said the approval is intended to give clearer management direction to the area, in line with the development of the Kayangeran Complex and the planning of an urban forest park.

"The aim is to provide clearer direction for the management of the Kayangeran area as a centre for education, research, recreation and environmental conservation.

"This is also in line with the development of the Kayangeran Complex and the planned urban forest park, which will broaden opportunities for the public to know and appreciate Sarawak's forest heritage," he said at the Open Day and Official Opening of the Kayangeran Complex, organised by the Forest Department Sarawak here today.

He added that the development of the complex is not merely about providing physical facilities, but also opens opportunities to strengthen forest management through research, education, rehabilitation and systematically planned recreational activities.

According to him, the area holds significant ecological value as it encompasses mangrove and peat swamp forest ecosystems, and forms part of the natural heritage that must be preserved for future generations.

"Development plans for the area also include the integration of a Heart of Borneo interpretation centre to raise public awareness of Borneo's biodiversity and the importance of preserving forest ecosystems," he said.

Awang Tengah, who is also Bukit Sari Assemblyman, said Sarawak continues to strengthen forest conservation efforts through planned land use and forest management policies.

He said that of Sarawak's total land area of about 12.4 million hectares, more than 62 per cent remains forested, while nearly 900,000 hectares have been gazetted as Totally Protected Areas (TPA).

Sarawak has also gazetted nearly five million hectares as Permanent Forest Estate, significantly contributing to Malaysia's commitment to maintain at least 50 per cent of the country's land area under forest cover.

He stressed that forest management cannot be left to forestry agencies alone, but requires cooperation among the government, private sector, educational institutions, researchers and local communities.

"Forest destruction can affect water resources, biodiversity, food security, health and human lives. Therefore, economic development must be carried out in balance with environmental preservation," he said.  

Swinburne University, Borneo Eco Fish to undertake research project at supporting small-scale tilapia farmers in Btg Ai

KUCHING, Oct 24 2026: Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus and Borneo Eco Fish Sdn Bhd have partnered on a Ministry of Higher Education-funded research project aimed at supporting small-scale tilapia farmers in Batang Ai.

The partnership on the Batang Ai Tilapia Social Innovation Project was formalised through a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) signed by Swinburne Sarawak Pro Vice Chancellor and Chief Executive Officer  Professor Lau Hieng Ho and Borneo Eco Fish Sdn Bhd Managing Director Thomas Hii Tiong Kong on behalf of their respective organisations.

The one-year project, which has been awarded RM108,000 in funding, will explore practical ways to improve fish survival rates, farm productivity, and income among small-scale tilapia farmers at Batang Ai.

The research team from Swinburne Sarawak comprises lead Dr Tan Vie Ming along with team members Dr Tan Lee Tung, Dr Rebecca Lee Su Ping, and Dr Richard Belanda Dagang.

The collaboration brings together the university’s research expertise and Borneo Eco Fish’s industry experience, including its knowledge of the local tilapia supply chain and the challenges faced by farmers.

Lau described the MoA as a shared commitment to innovation, collaboration, and community empowerment.

“At Swinburne, we believe that impactful research must extend beyond academic boundaries and generate tangible benefits for society,” said Lau in a speech delivered on his behalf by Deputy Pro Vice-Chancellor (Academic) Professor Sim Kwan Yong at the ceremony.

“Beyond improving fish production and operational efficiency, this project aims to strengthen household income stability, enhance technical competencies, and increase resilience among rural farming households,” he added.

Dr Tan Vie Ming said the project exemplified Swinburne Sarawak’s commitment to applied, impact-driven research that responds directly to industry and community needs.

“By combining academic expertise with industry knowledge and farmer participation, it reflects the university’s strategic focus on co-creating practical solutions to rural challenges while supporting sustainable livelihoods, innovation, and regional development,” he said.

In August, the Swinburne Sarawak research team held a roundtable session to refine the project’s implementation and discuss the intended outcomes and proposed interventions.

These measures include farmer training, improved farming practices, better selection of fish fry, digital water quality monitoring, a proposed bamboo raft concept, and a potential buyback arrangement.

Digital monitoring is expected to provide farmers with information on water quality to support more informed farm-level decisions, while the other proposed measures address different stages of production, from the selection of young fish to the sale of harvested fish.

The discussion also covered farmer selection, the feasibility of the proposed measures, and how the information gathered during the project could inform future improvements to tilapia farming. Participants also shared perspectives on the project’s potential contributions to food production, rural livelihoods, and longer-term development. 

Integrated River Basin Management study for Batang Rajang expected to be completed in August next year, says Fadillah

SIBU, Oct 24 2026: Deputy Prime Minister Fadillah Yusof said the Integrated River Basin Management (IRBM) study for Batang Rajang is expected to be completed by August next year.

Caption: Deputy Prime Minister Fadillah Yusof says the Department of Irrigation and Drainage is conducting the study for the Batang Rajang Basin. 

He said the findings from this study are intended to provide an action plan to assist the Sarawak government in planning river management in a more integrated, systematic, and sustainable manner. 

"This effort is crucial for preserving water resources, mitigating flood risks, and ensuring that development is carried out with due regard for the well-being of the community and environmental sustainability," he said at the 2026 National-Level World Rivers Day celebration themed “Rivers and Waterways in Our Community” at Dataran Tun Tuanku Bujang Phase 2 here today.

Fadillah, who is also the Energy Transition and Water Transformation (Petra) Minister, said the Department of Irrigation and Drainage is conducting the study for the Batang Rajang Basin. 

"This basin is one of nine river basins in Sarawak included in the implementation of the IRBM study," he said.

Fadillah added the allocations, development projects, and studies reflect Petra’s commitment to ensuring that rivers and water resources are managed more effectively. 

"However, the success of these initiatives requires close collaboration between the Sarawak Government, implementing agencies, local authorities, and the community. 

"When sound planning is coupled with public participation, the benefits can be sustained over the long term," he said.

The deputy prime minister said under the Rolling Plan 1 (RP1) of the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), a sum of RM7.4 billion has been allocated for 46 water-related projects in Sarawak, comprising 33 ongoing projects and 13 new ones.

"Of this total, RM5.8 billion is earmarked for projects implemented by the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID), covering areas such as flood mitigation, river conservation, and coastal erosion control," he said, adding that thee implementation of these projects is expected to strengthen water resource security, reduce disaster risks, and enhance the well-being of the people.

Sarawak State Electiion: Choose candidates from established parties with proven track record, PRS Youth tells voters

KUCHING, Oct 24 2026: Ahead of the Election Commission (EC) fixing the nomination and polling dates of the Sarawak state election, Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) Youth chief Christopher Gira Sambang urged the voters to choose candidates from established parties with a proven track record of serving the people.

Caption: PRS Youth chief Christopher Gira says after nearly five years under Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) government, the time has come to return the mandate to the rakyat. 

"We need a government that can manage public finances responsibly, strengthen state revenue, deliver more development and improve the social well-being of our communities," he said in a statement when commenting on the dissolution of the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly (SLA) fixed for Oct 26, announced by Premier Abang Johari Openg yesterday.

He told the voters that Sarawak's future and that of the future generation lies in their hands, adding that they should choose the right candidates and a government that can serve the people responsibly and lead the state forward. 

"Your decision at the ballot box will shape the Sarawak they will inherit," Gira, who is Tamin incument State Legislative Member (SLM), said.

Gira said the dissolution of the SLA is the moment that many Sarawakians are waiting for.

He added after nearly five years under Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) government, the time has come to return the mandate to the rakyat. 

He said the people now have the opportunity to evaluate the government’s performance, the delivery of its commitments and the service of their elected representatives.

"As a PRS representative, I welcome this democratic process, (but) it is for the rakyat to decide who should form the next government and lead Sarawak for the coming term," he stressed.