1 Jun 2026
,Ukraine
The European Commission has for the first time published a list of countries classified by levels of deforestation risk under the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). This publication marks an important step in efforts to preserve global forest resources and reduce the negative environmental impact of deforestation. The list is available on the official website of the EU's central executive body, making it accessible for study and analysis by both governmental and private entities.
The primary goal of publishing this list is to ensure transparency and awareness among all market participants regarding countries with varying degrees of deforestation risk. This information becomes crucial for importers, who are now required to consider the classification during due diligence when purchasing goods associated with a high risk of deforestation. Such goods include cocoa, coffee, soy, palm oil, rubber, timber, and cattle.
The classification of countries by deforestation risk levels significantly affects importer requirements. Importers of goods from countries with a high level of risk will need to conduct more thorough checks of their supply chains. This is necessary to prevent products contributing to deforestation from entering the EU market. The publication of the list is considered a strategic tool in combating negative climate impacts and allows importers to assess potential risks associated with doing business in specific regions.
In countries with higher risk levels, importers will not only need to conduct on-site inspections but also provide documentation proving the legality of the sourced goods. This includes using sustainability certificates and conducting independent audits. As a result, importers of goods will need to allocate more resources to ensure the safety of their supplies, which may lead to increased prices for certain categories of goods on the European market.
Additionally, the introduction of the EUDR benchmarking system helps improve import practices and provides broader opportunities for controlling the scope of compliance checks. This, in turn, will help reduce the overall risk of deforestation, protecting the planet from human-induced environmental damage.
This EU initiative aims to create more sustainable trade and consumption systems, support ecosystems, and maintain climate integrity. In practice, implementing strict supply chain controls and new sustainability standards will improve the state of the environment and set an example of effective regulatory policy on the international stage.
