This legislation, which aims to curb deforestation and forest degradation globally, mandates stringent due diligence from companies to ensure that their products are not linked to deforested or degraded land post-31 December 2020. While it is a European regulation, its ripple effects extend far beyond, impacting global supply chains, including those in South Africa.
Gerard Busse, marketing and communications manager for the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) Southern Africa, emphasises the critical role that robust certification systems will play in helping companies navigate this complex regulatory landscape.
The EUDR’s scope covers a range of products, with wood-based items facing some of the most stringent requirements. As Gerard highlights: ‘Wood products, deeply connected to harvesting, are now under even greater scrutiny with “degradation-free” requirements. FSC’s established framework aligns closely with these expectations, offering a reliable pathway for companies to demonstrate that their products meet the new standards.’
FSC is not just resting on its laurels but actively aligning its certification standards with EUDR requirements to support its certificate holders.
By 31 December 2024, businesses must be fully EUDR-compliant, which involves proving that their forest-based products are legal, not sourced from deforested lands, and do not contribute to degradation. ‘We’re taking the guesswork out of compliance,’ he adds. ‘Our FSC Aligned for EUDR Regulatory module and risk management tools take care of identifying and mitigating risks.’
The EUDR mandates that exporters to Europe establish a due diligence system. FSC’s Aligned for EUDR module enables data collection on transactions and risks, generating reports for authorities. FSC certificate holders can use FSC Trace, a secure blockchain, to trace products back to their source forests and share essential data, ensuring EUDR compliance.
