Are you prepared for the EUDR legislation?

22 December 2025

We have noticed that there is still a lot of uncertainty among our business relations. Ritra Cargo only has an advisory role in this matter, but we are happy to help you find the best solution. That is why we are summarizing the most important information and the actions you need to take once again. Although the European Parliament has very recently decided to postpone the effective date (again), we still advise you to prepare yourself well in the short term.

1. Check whether your products fall under the EUDR regulation

Raw materials: cocoa, coffee, wood, soy, palm oil, rubber, cattle.

Derived products: chocolate, furniture, paper and cardboard, car tires, cattle hides and skins, other end products in which one of the aforementioned raw materials has been processed.

For a detailed overview, please refer to the European Regulation. Click on ‘Annex’ in the menu at the top left to go directly to all relevant products, raw materials, and their commodity codes.

Please note: Sometimes ‘ex’ is added. In that case, the rule only applies to some of the products within that HS code.

2. Are you responsible for the Due Diligence Statement (DDS)?

Trader, manufacturer, or seller?

Do you sell or trade EUDR products that are already on the European market? If products have already been placed on the European market, your due diligence obligation lapses. However, it is important to remain in contact with your partners so that you can also be sure that the due diligence obligation has been met.

Importer?

You are the party that first places EUDR goods on the European market. The due diligence statement remains your responsibility. We advise you to request the following information from all your suppliers in order to comply with your obligation:

–    Exact location of origin with coordinates

–    Harvest date/production date

–    Quantity

–    Supplier details

This document from the European Commission outlines what is expected of you.

Small business?

A relaxed approach will be adopted for small businesses from countries with a low risk of deforestation. All this will be recorded in a one-off, simple declaration. If this information has already been processed in a national database, you do not need to take any further action.

3. Do you have a reporting obligation?

Yes. With the exception of sole traders and small businesses, you must comply with a reporting obligation with the start date below. Keep all data and documentation for at least 5 years.

* Large companies: December 30, 2026 (this was December 30, 2025)

* SMEs: December 30, 2026 (this was December 30, 2025)

* Sole traders and small businesses: June 30, 2027 (previously December 30, 2026)

4. Use of decision codes

Because you have authorized us to file your import declarations via Direct Representation, we will specify the correct decision code(s) on your behalf. There are 7 options, which we can finalize after receiving your DDS. Here is an overview.

5. Get everything sorted before shipping!

Ensure that all documents are complete before shipping. The EU may block shipments if information is missing. Unfortunately, Ritra Cargo will also be unable to assist you if the documentation is not in order upon arrival of the goods.

Do you have specific questions or are you unsure whether your products fall under EUDR legislation? Please feel free to contact us.