Supporting non-EU based companies to implement the PEFC EUDR Due Diligence System standard

20 August 2025 EU Deforestation Regulation

PEFC has released a new informative clarification document to help non-EU based PEFC chain of custody certified organisations meet the requirements of the PEFC EUDR Due Diligence System (DDS) Standard (PEFC ST 2002-1:2024).

This standard was developed to support PEFC chain of custody certified companies in aligning with the EU Regulation on Deforestation-Free Products (EUDR), which came into force in June 2023 to prevent deforestation and forest degradation. Covering key commodities such as timber, natural rubber, coffee, soy, cocoa, palm oil, cattle, and their derivatives, the EUDR requires that products be deforestation-free and legally produced before entering the EU market.

The PEFC EUDR DDS standard differentiates requirements for EU based and non-EU based companies. This informative resource clarifies the PEFC EUDR DDS requirements applicable to non-EU based companies.  

Download the publication:

Why non-EU based companies need to act

Some non-EU based businesses may assume the EUDR does not apply to them. In reality, if your products or materials are destined for the EU market - even via distributors or customers - you play a critical role in ensuring compliance. Without proper due diligence in place, your EU buyers may not be able to purchase from you, risking the loss of valuable market access.

The PEFC EUDR DDS module standard is designed specifically to help both EU and non-EU based companies meet the regulation’s demands. By using it, non-EU based companies can:

• Demonstrate the alignment of their products to EUDR requirements for deforestation-free and legal production.
• Support EU customers in meeting their legal obligations.
• Safeguard and grow market opportunities in one of the world’s largest trading blocs.

Practical, integrated solutions

The clarification document helps non-EU based companies identify the PEFC EUDR DDS requirements that apply to them, including:

• Establishing a management system to meet PEFC EUDR DDS requirements.
• Identifying inputs and declaring outputs with the PEFC-EUDR claim.
• Collecting key EUDR data such as geolocation of harvest plots and evidence of deforestation free and legal compliance.
• Conducting risk assessments and applying mitigation measures where needed.
• Responding to substantiated concerns quickly and effectively. 
• No placement on the market of products that do not meet EUDR or PEFC requirements. 

For most non-EU based companies, there is no need to submit due diligence statements to the EU’s TRACES system unless they are directly importing into the EU and responsible for customs declarations.

A tool for market confidence

The PEFC EUDR DDS integrates with the existing PEFC Chain of Custody standard, making it straightforward to implement. By adopting it, non-EU based companies show leadership in sustainability, commitment to deforestation free, and strengthen relationships with EU buyers, while helping them ensure their products continue to flow into the EU market without disruption.

“EUDR compliance starts long before a product reaches Europe. This new publication gives non-EU based companies a clear view of the PEFC EUDR DDS standard requirements applicable to them, helping them keep their place in the EU supply chain through using PEFC scheme” said Marta Martinez Pardo, Standards and Integrity Senior Manager at PEFC International.