From EUTR to EUDR: what changes for the timber sector
September 18 , 2026
The EUDR Regulation (EU) 2023/1115 will replace the current EUTR and expands the requirements to ensure that certain products marketed in the European Union are not linked to deforestation or forest degradation.
For the timber sector, the biggest change lies in traceability. It will no longer be enough to demonstrate that timber has been legally sourced; it will also be necessary to demonstrate where it comes from and that it complies with the requirements of the new regulation.
EUTR vs. EUDR: what changes?
The EUTR already established obligations to control the legality of timber and prevent illegally harvested timber from being placed on the market. The EUDR maintains this principle and adds new requirements related to deforestation and the origin of raw materials.
| Criterion | EUTR | EUDR |
|---|---|---|
| Requirement | Control of timber legality | Legality + no deforestation or forest degradation |
| Origin | Information on general origin | Traceability back to the production plots |
| Control | Due diligence system | Due diligence system + corresponding statement |
Greater traceability from the source
For companies working with timber and timber-derived products, knowing the origin of raw materials will become increasingly important. The EUDR due diligence system is based on three steps:
- Collect information: Data on the product, its origin, species, quantity, suppliers and geolocation.
- Assess the risk: Check that the raw material complies with the legislation of the country of production and that it is not linked to deforestation or forest degradation.
- Mitigate the risk: Adopt additional measures when the available information does not allow the risk to be considered negligible.
Where applicable, the operator must also submit a Due Diligence Statement (DDS) through the European Union Information System before placing or exporting the product. The documentation and data used must be kept for five years.
The role of suppliers
The EUDR does not only affect companies importing timber. Obligations depend on the role each company plays within the supply chain. For manufacturers and processors, this makes it particularly important to have suppliers capable of providing reliable information on the origin of raw materials and their traceability.
At HTP Global Group, the control and monitoring of raw materials are a structural part of the supply chain. We work with locally sourced timber, traceability systems and FSC chain of custody certifications that allow us to have direct information about the materials.
EUDR implementation timeline
Although the regulation is already in force, its obligations will begin to apply effectively on the following dates:
| Date | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 30 December 2026 | General application of the EUDR |
| 30 June 2027 | Application to certain operators that are natural persons or SMEs. |
This additional period does not apply to all operators and traders, so it is important to identify which obligations apply to each company depending on its activity.
Preparing the supply chain before December 2026
There are only a few months left before the EUDR comes into force on 30 December 2026. Having a traceable supply chain and a supplier prepared to provide this information is the guarantee of a smooth transition without disruptions to your activity.
Would you like to learn more about the origin and traceability of our products?
Get in touch with the HTP Global Group technical team to resolve your questions and find out more about our solutions.
