EUDR: prepare this regulation with your non-EU suppliers

26.06.2026

As the application date of the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) approaches, engaging your suppliers outside the European Union is a key step in your preparation.

Compliance with the EUDR depends to a large extent on importers' ability to obtain from their suppliers the information and supporting documentation needed to demonstrate that the products are legally harvested, deforestation-free and, in the case of timber products, free from forest degradation.

To support you in this process, ATIBT has developed a practical toolkit consisting of three complementary resources that you can use directly with your suppliers.

A Template Letter to Personalise and Send to Your Suppliers

To facilitate the collection of the information required under the EUDR, ATIBT has prepared a template letter, accompanied by a practical guide, which you can customise with your company's branding and send directly to your suppliers outside the European Union.

The template is available in French, English and Spanish.

The document provides a clear and practical explanation of:

the main EUDR requirements applicable to timber and timber products;

the information and supporting documents that will need to be provided (tree species, geolocation, harvesting dates, legality documents, evidence of compliance with the deforestation-free requirement, etc.);

why this information is required;

best practices for preparing due diligence documentation.

The document incorporates the latest clarifications published by the European Commission (2026 Guidance and FAQs), including:

the use of certification (FSC® and PEFC™) within a risk-based due diligence approach;

geolocation requirements;

evidence of legality and compliance with the deforestation-free requirement;

the simplifications introduced under the EUDR.

A Brochure Dedicated to the EUDR and Certified Forests in the Congo Basin

ATIBT also makes available the brochure "The EUDR and Certified Forests in the Congo Basin", designed to answer both your questions and those of your business partners.

The brochure explains, in particular:

the role of forest certification schemes (FSC® and PEFC/PAFC) in supporting EUDR implementation;
the guarantees provided by certified forest concessions in the Congo Basin;
how certification can contribute to demonstrating legality, traceability and EUDR compliance within the proportionate, risk-based approach adopted by the European Commission.

The Timber Trade Portal: a key reference resource

Finally, we encourage you to direct your suppliers to the Timber Trade Portal (TTP).

The Timber Trade Portal is currently being updated to incorporate the latest developments relating to the EUDR. A new, enhanced and fully updated version will be available from October 2026.

For each timber-producing country, the Portal will provide, in particular:
- the legal framework applicable to the forestry sector;
- the main legality documents;
- information on certification schemes;
- a risk analysis;
- practical resources to help companies comply with the EUDR.
The Timber Trade Portal will therefore serve as a key reference tool, helping both suppliers and importers better understand the regulatory requirements applicable in the world's main timber-producing countries.

Why Act Now?

Collecting the information required under the EUDR may take several months, particularly where multiple actors are involved throughout the supply chain.

We therefore recommend engaging with your suppliers as early as possible in order to:
- give them sufficient time to gather the required information and supporting documents;
- identify any missing information at an early stage;
- anticipate any necessary adjustments to your supply chain;
- facilitate the preparation of your due diligence documentation;
- minimise the risk of disruptions when the EUDR becomes applicable.
Should you have any questions regarding the use of these resources or, more generally, the implementation of the EUDR within your company, please do not hesitate to contact us.