New business guides help meet EU deforestation rules deadline

The International Trade Centre has released updated handbooks to help businesses comply with European Union deforestation rules that take effect on December 30, 2025. ITC updated its existing guidance series and launched three new handbooks covering areas where companies need more support, according to an ITC press release. The handbooks incorporate the latest guidance from the European Commission and address practical compliance challenges for the EU Deforestation-free Products Regulation.

The EUDR applies to seven key commodities—coffee, cocoa, palm oil, cattle, rubber, soya, and wood—plus selected products made from these materials. Companies must prove their supply chains don’t contribute to deforestation through due diligence statements that assess risks and document compliance. The rules affect businesses of all sizes trading with or operating in the EU market.

ITC’s three new handbooks target specific compliance gaps identified by companies and policymakers. One guide helps large downstream operators and traders meet their EUDR obligations step-by-step. Another handbook explains how to demonstrate legal compliance with documentation and evidence examples. The third analyzes how voluntary sustainability standards can support risk assessment while clarifying that certification cannot replace required due diligence work.

“These updates reflect the latest regulatory developments and respond to the questions and challenges raised by businesses as they prepare for compliance,” said Mathieu Lamolle, ITC’s Senior Advisor and EUDR focal point.

He noted that the resources aim to help companies “take action, avoid trade disruptions, and contribute to deforestation-free value chains” regardless of their size.

The complete series now includes nine handbooks covering topics from basic EUDR guidance for EU and non-EU companies to technology solutions and operational checklists. All handbooks are available for free download on ITC’s dedicated EUDR webpage, providing practical business scenarios and step-by-step compliance guidance for companies preparing to meet the December deadline.