The goal of the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) is to ensure that the products Europeans buy, use, and consume do not cause deforestation or forest degradation globally. At the same time, the goal is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and the deterioration of biodiversity. The deforestation regulation will apply from December 30, 2025, for large and medium-sized companies.
The EUDR covers commodities such as wood, in addition to other commodities identified in the Regulation. In the case of wood, derived products such as pulp and paperboard are covered.
The regulation requires operators and traders to have a Due Diligence (DD) system in place to ensure that their products comply with the regulation. Operators and traders are required to submit a Due Diligence Statement (DDS) in the EU information system, TRACES.
Metsä Board’s operating model is compliant with the EUDR and the guidance documents provided by the European Commission. Metsä Board follows the official guidance from the European Commission, national competent authorities, and legislators, and adjusts its operating model if needed.
Metsä Board’s EUDR compliance consists of two main areas:
- Due diligence process for wood sourcing
- Country-specific risk assessment and risk mitigation plan
- Supplier audits
- Enabling the transfer of required EUDR information (reference and verification numbers) throughout the value chain
Metsä Board has conducted a risk assessment of its wood sourcing countries, and the result was compatible with the Global Forest Risk Assessment report of the EU authorities.
Metsä Board will provide the EUDR reference numbers and related verification numbers on the delivery notes sent to customers.
More information on the topic can be found on Metsä Group's website.