Starting from December 2025, the European Union will enforce strict due diligence requirements for all companies importing or exporting wood and wood-based products under Regulation (EU) 2023/1115, known as the EUDR (EU Deforestation Regulation).
From July 21 to August 28, 2025, the Ukrainian Association of Furniture Manufacturers is holding a series of “EUDR-Ready” educational workshops to help exporters prepare for these changes.
“To trade with the EU, you’ll need to know the exact coordinates of the forest where your tree grew.”
— from the presentation by Yevhenii Khan, FSC Ukraine, at the first workshop
Why does an exporter need to understand the EUDR?
Starting December 30, 2025, all medium and large companies that:
- export timber to the EU,
- trade wood-based products on the EU market,
- or even cross the EU border with wood products,
will be required to prove that their products:
- do not contribute to deforestation (after December 31, 2020),
- are legally sourced, following the laws of the country of origin,
- and are backed by a due diligence statement submitted through the EU’s TRACES NT system.
This is not a recommendation — it’s a legally binding requirement under the new Regulation (EU) 2023/1115, which replaces EUTR with significantly stricter rules.
What makes EUDR different from EUTR?
Geolocation
EUDR requires companies to provide precise coordinates (up to six decimal places) for every plot of land from which raw materials originate. For mixed shipments, the coordinates of all sources must be disclosed.
Due Diligence System
Each operator must implement a full due diligence system that includes:
- collecting legal proof of origin (licenses, contracts, certificates),
- assessing risks (deforestation, degradation, legal compliance, corruption),
- mitigating risks (independent audits or additional data when needed).
Country classification
Countries of origin are divided into:
- Low risk (simplified checks),
- Standard risk (full due diligence required),
- High risk (enhanced monitoring and controls).
As of today, Ukraine is classified as a standard-risk country.
Who is subject to EUDR?
- Operators — companies that place wood-related products on or export them from the EU market.
- Traders — everyone else in the supply chain.
Even Ukrainian exporters working through EU importers must be ready to provide geolocation data, legal documentation, and compliance evidence for EUDR.
Why this is not just another paperwork burden
The EU has launched the TRACES NT online system to collect and verify due diligence declarations. The system is already open for testing and API integrations.
“This is not bureaucratic red tape — it’s a digital traceability system that connects EU customs with national enforcement authorities,”
— explains Yevhenii Khan, Chain of Custody & Integrity Manager, FSC Ukraine.
What products are affected?
Of the seven categories covered by EUDR, wood and all its derivatives are in focus. If you work with solid wood, plywood, particle board, wooden furniture, fittings, or furniture components — you’re in scope.
What should you do now?
Review your supply chain. Do you have documentation proving legal origin, traceability, and sustainability?
Check your suppliers. Can they provide geolocation data and legal compliance proof?
Start building your due diligence system.
With less than six months to go, now is the time to act.
Helpful resources:
Do you manufacture wood products or export furniture?
At Oakhunt, we help businesses prepare for EUDR compliance by offering:
- Supply chain audits
- Due diligence setup
- Consulting on TRACES NT usage
- Access to verified geolocation and legal experts
Leave a request at www.oakhunt.com to get your customized EUDR readiness plan.
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