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Comparing the EU Deforestation Regulation and the EU Timber Regulation

Written by Source Intelligence | Apr 12, 2024 9:51:36 PM

Companies that place certain goods on the EU market, or export them, face a major shift in compliance expectations. The EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) introduces stricter due diligence, deeper supply chain transparency, and new traceability standards that go well beyond what the EU Timber Regulation (EUTR) required.

Understanding the differences between the EUTR and EUDR helps compliance teams prepare for upcoming deadlines and build a stronger, more resilient due diligence program. 

Is the EUDR replacing the EUTR?

Yes, the EUDR formally repealed and replaced the EUTR on June 29, 2023.

This transition marks a broader shift in EU policy. The EUTR targeted illegal logging, while the EUDR expands its focus to global deforestation, forest degradation, and related human rights risks across agricultural supply chains. 

The EUDR also applies to a wider set of commodities, requires more detailed supplier data, and mandates geolocation traceability at the plot level. These changes raise the bar for environmental accountability and documentation across global trade. 

For an in-depth look at the regulation, read our EUDR overview blog.  

Key differences between the EUDR and EUTR 

The biggest differences between the EUDR and EUTR fall into three areas: product scope, traceability expectations, and due diligence requirements. 

Product scope: what each regulation covers 

EUTR: Focused exclusively on timber and timber products to prevent illegal logging and ensure legal harvesting.

EUDR: Covers seven high-risk commodities and many of their derived products:

  • Timber 
  • Beef 
  • Rubber 
  • Coffee 
  • Cocoa 
  • Palm oil 
  • Soy 

This expansion includes items like chocolate, leather, furniture, paper, and other wood products, making compliance more complex for operators and traders. 

Traceability expectations

EUTR: Required basic supplier and customer records, but did not mandate full origin traceability or proof of deforestation-free sourcing.

EUDR: Requires precise geolocation coordinates for all farms or plots where commodities originated. 

Due diligence requirements

EUTR: Companies needed a due diligence system to verify legal timber harvesting, with some product exemptions.

EUDR: Requires a three-step due diligence process:

  1. Collect and assess data - Companies must gather required product, supplier, and geolocation information, then assess it for deforestation or legal risks.
  2. Mitigate identified risks - If any risk is found, companies must take documented action, such as audits or obtaining additional evidence, before products can enter the EU market.
  3. Submit and retain documentation - Companies must file a due diligence statement through EU TRACES and retain all records for at least five years. 

Want a deeper look at what an EUDR-compliant program requires?

Watch our recent webinar, Designing Your EUDR Compliance Framework, to learn the four pillars of a scalable due diligence program and see how technology streamlines geolocation validation, risk assessments, and EU TRACES submissions.

Simplifying EUDR due diligence with Source Intelligence

The shift from EUTR to EUDR raises the stakes for compliance teams. Traditional manual processes—spreadsheets, email outreach, and one-off supplier checks—may have been enough under the EUTR’s narrower scope, but they can’t support the geolocation data, continuous risk assessments, and detailed documentation the EUDR now requires. Companies need compliance software that centralizes data, verifies traceability, and maintains a complete, audit-ready record of due diligence activity. 

Source Intelligence provides the visibility and automation needed to keep pace with the EUDR’s expanded demands. Our platform brings every step of EUDR due diligence into one connected workflow so teams can meet requirements confidently and without disrupting operations. 

With our EUDR compliance solution, you can: 

  • Centralize supply chain data across all in-scope commodities and wood‑based products 
  • Trace materials to origin using geolocation and satellite-informed insights
  • Conduct standardized risk assessments aligned with EUDR criteria
  • Maintain a complete, auditable due diligence system in one place 
  • Submit due diligence statements directly through EU TRACES, with Source Intelligence as your authorized representative

By replacing manual tasks with automated, end-to-end due diligence, Source Intelligence helps companies stay compliant, protect market access, and reduce the operational burden of the EUDR. Our platform gives you the clarity, efficiency, and traceability this regulation demands—so your team can focus on driving your program forward, not chasing data.