PEFC publishes FAQ to support EUDR compliance

27 August 2025 EU Deforestation Regulation

PEFC has released a new Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document to help stakeholders understand and apply the PEFC EUDR Due Diligence System (DDS) module standard (PEFC ST 2002-1:2024). The FAQ explains how the standard supports companies demonstrate the alignment of their products to the European Union Regulation on Deforestation-free Products (EUDR) requirements, which came into force in June 2023.

The EUDR requires EU-based operators and traders to ensure that commodities and products under its scope – including timber and natural rubber – are both deforestation-free and legally harvested. Companies outside the EU also play an essential role by providing due diligence information to their European customers. 

The FAQ is an informative document. It provides the answers to the most common questions that PEFC has received from companies, certification bodies, consultants, and other interested stakeholders. It facilitates the comprehension and practical use of the standard.

Download the FAQ:

Company-related questions

The FAQ provides answers to key questions companies may have when applying the PEFC EUDR DDS. Developed as a voluntary add-on to the PEFC Chain of Custody standard, the PEFC EUDR DDS gives businesses a market tool to manage supply chain risks, ensure legality, and facilitate compliance with EUDR.

Among the issues addressed are:

• Applicability – Which companies should use the PEFC EUDR DDS, both within and outside the EU.
• Benefits – How the standard supports compliance, strengthens supply chain transparency, and reduces business risks.
• Material categories – Explanations of classifications such as PEFC-EUDR referenced, non-referenced, and non-PEFC-EUDR.
• Claims and communication – The correct use of the PEFC-EUDR claim in business-to-business documentation, and how PEFC ensures the compatibility between PEFC EUDR DDS and PEFC chain of custody standard. 
• Risk assessment – The risk elements companies must evaluate, and to what extent the PEFC EUDR DDS requirements go beyond EUDR. 

The FAQ helps companies understand how the PEFC EUDR DDS works in practice and how it can support their role in demonstrating due diligence.

Certification body-related questions

The FAQ also includes answers for certification responsible for providing certification against the PEFC EUDR DDS. Key topics include:

• Accreditation status – Updates on the status of accreditation for the PEFC EUDR DDS standard globally and a specific look at the ongoing European Accreditation (EA) evaluation. 
• Certification requirements – What certification bodies must meet to provide accredited certification services against the PEFC EUDR DDS.
• Auditor training – Training available for auditors, reviewers, and decision makers.

By addressing these questions, the FAQ ensures that certification bodies have a clear understanding of how to fulfil PEFC requirements to provide certification services against the PEFC EUDR DDS standard. 

Strengthening confidence in supply chains

By responding to questions from both companies and certification bodies, the FAQ helps all actors in the supply chain better understand and use the PEFC EUDR DDS. The document will be updated as needed to reflect user experience.

For further information, stakeholders can contact standards@pefc.org