Bureau Veritas updates its OLB standards to meet the requirements of the EUDR

These new versions, published on September 15, 2025, and effective January 1, 2026 (with a transition period until December 31, 2026), mark a major development: they now incorporate the requirements of the European Union Regulation on Deforestation and Forest Degradation (EUDR).

The main changes made

Integration of EUDR requirements

Both standards (EF and CdC) incorporate new definitions and obligations related to zero deforestation, geolocation, and the prevention of forest degradation, in line with Regulation (EU) 2023/1115.

Evolution of the OLB+ concept

In previous versions, OLB+ was an optional module focused on additional social and environmental criteria.
With version 4, these criteria become systematic and integrated into the CdC standard.
OLB+ remains an option in the EF standard, but specifically to demonstrate compliance with the “zero deforestation” criterion required by the EUDR.

New product categories

Products are now classified into four categories:

OLB wood
OLB+ wood
Wood from acceptable sources
Wood from unacceptable sources

Strengthening of social and environmental requirements

Version 4 requires:

explicit compliance with several ILO conventions (freedom of association, prohibition of forced labor, equal pay, minimum age, etc.),
the implementation of Health, Safety, and Environment policies,
complaint mechanisms and mechanisms for the prevention of corruption and fraud

Advances in traceability

Obligation to geolocate titles and cutting areas,
Possible integration of digital technologies (barcodes, QR codes, RFID),
Clarification of the rules for physical separation and use of credit accounts between OLB and OLB+

Community rights and CLIP

The EF v4.0 standard strengthens provisions related to the customary and land rights of local communities and indigenous peoples (CLPA), including the requirement for free, prior, and informed consent (FPIC) for activities with a direct impact

A key step for businesses

With these new versions, Bureau Veritas positions OLB certification as a compliance tool for companies exporting to all markets, including the more demanding European Union market. Compliance with the EUDR on the Import of Timber Products (EUDR) is now possible with the OLB certification system, providing customers and markets with enhanced assurance in terms of legality, traceability, and sustainability.

These developments position OLB as a certification system aligned with current international standards, reinforcing its credibility with buyers and regulators.

Download the new versions :

Origin and legality - chain of custody (CoC)

Origin and legality of timber - Forest Companies