EUDR Update: What US Exporters Need to Know in 2025 and 2026

Last week, the European Commission formally adopted a legal proposal to amend the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), introducing limited adjustments to timelines and administrative requirements.  

The proposed changes include:  

• Downstream operators and traders will no longer need to submit due diligence statements. Full EUDR obligations will apply only to the first EU-based operator in the supply chain.  

• Micro and small primary operators from low-risk countries will only need to submit a one-off declaration in the EUDR IT system.  

• The application date for micro and small enterprises will be postponed to December 30, 2026, from June 30, 2026.  

• Large and medium-sized companies must still comply by December 30, 2025, but will benefit from a six-month grace period for checks and enforcement.  

The amendment must still be formally adopted by the European Parliament and the Council before taking effect. Importantly, the Commission emphasized that these updates do not change the environmental objectives of the EUDR—the regulation remains a cornerstone of the EU’s anti-deforestation policy.  

For most US exporters, only the six-month grace period will apply. The compliance date itself remains unchanged 

A Delay in Deadlines, Not in Direction  

While some smaller operators gain additional time, the market’s trajectory toward traceability remains unchanged. The EUDR, and the broader shift toward verified sourcing, is not being rolled back.  

Even as the EU refines the timeline for implementation, the expectations of global buyers, brands, and investors continue to rise. Transparency and verifiable data on origin and legality are becoming standard prerequisites for doing business internationally.  

As ResourceWise President and CEO Pete Stewart explained, “Don’t think of EUDR as a regulation to survive. Think of it as a competitive advantage – and the foundation for future revenue in global markets demanding transparency, sustainability, and carbon accountability.  

Turning Compliance into Market Leadership 

Even with these targeted amendments, EUDR readiness remains a 2025 and early 2026 priority. According to ResourceWise’s  EUDR readiness guidance, supply chain mapping, geolocation data integration, and system testing each require several months of preparation. Combined with existing production and transport timelines, US exporters will need to begin implementation now to meet the December 2025 compliance data. 

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At the same time, the demand for compliance tools and consulting is increasing quickly, causing bottlenecks across the industry. Companies that delay may end up at the end of the queue for essential verification and IT resources.  

Preparation Is the Real Competitive Edge 

For US pulp, paper, and biomass producers, EUDR compliance isn’t just a regulatory checkbox – it’s a strategic investment in long-term competitiveness. Verified traceability is quickly becoming the price of entry into EU trade and emerging global markets.  

As domestic pulp markets face closures and volatility, maintaining EU access is critical. At the same time, compliance positions US producers to capitalize on new sustainability-driven revenue streams that require proof of origin and legality.  

If your business exports forest-based products to the EU, here’s how to use this time strategically:  

1. Audit your data now. Gather supplier details, legality evidence, and precise geolocation coordinates for all EU-bound shipments.
2. Digitize and automate. Implement digital compliance tools to streamline data collection, polygon mapping, and risk assessments.
3. Integrate with sustainability certifications. Combine EUDR compliance with existing SFI or FSC certifications to strengthen traceability credentials.
4. Leverage technology like Forest Trackt. Purpose-built for US producers, Forest Trackt automates end-to-end traceability, risk scoring, and audit-ready documentation—simplifying compliance while enhancing competitiveness. 

The Time to Build Readiness Is Now 

The Commission’s proposed amendment offers clarity and smoother implementation—but not a reprieve. Large and medium-sized companies must still meet the December 2025 compliance deadline. 

The smartest move is to treat the next 12 months as the true preparation window. Because when enforcement begins, the leaders won’t be the ones who waited – they’ll be the ones who were ready. 

See how Forest Trackt simplifies EUDR compliance and traceability.