EU reveals new EUDR Benchmarking list
EU reveals new EUDR Bench-marking list
Background on the EUDR Country Benchmarking List
On May 22, 2025, the European Commission published the first country benchmarking list under the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). This list classifies countries into low-, standard-, or high-risk categories based on their contribution to global deforestation, specifically related to seven high-risk commodities: cattle, cocoa, coffee, palm oil, rubber, soy, and wood.
The risk classification is a key enforcement mechanism of the EUDR, which aims to ensure that no products linked to deforestation enter the EU market. Companies sourcing from high-risk countries face stricter due diligence and compliance checks, while imports from low-risk countries benefit from simplified requirements.
According to the Commission, the list is based on the latest scientific data, including inputs from the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), and considers factors such as deforestation rates, agricultural expansion, and sanctions imposed by the UN Security Council or the EU Council.
Impact on Businesses
The EUDR benchmarking system directly affects how companies assess and manage supply chain risks:
- Low-risk countries including all EU Member States require only minimal checks: companies must collect supply chain information but are not obliged to conduct risk assessments or mitigation.
- Standard-risk countries, including major exporters like Brazil, Indonesia, and Malaysia, fall under full due diligence obligations.
- High-risk countries – currently Belarus, North Korea, Myanmar, and Russia face the strictest scrutiny, with competent authorities required to verify 9% of all relevant imports.
By comparison, checks for standard-risk countries are set at 3%, and just 1% for low-risk countries. This tiered system significantly influences sourcing decisions, compliance costs, and documentation efforts across affected industries.
Timeline and Compliance Deadlines
The EUDR enters into application on:
- December 30, 2025 for large companies
- June 30, 2026, for micro- and small enterprises
This phased implementation gives businesses time to adapt their sourcing strategies, improve traceability systems, and ensure compliance with the new obligations.
Outlook
While the benchmarking list has been welcomed by many as a practical and science-based instrument, businesses are now under pressure to re-evaluate supply chains and ensure traceability to the plot of land. The real test lies in operationalizing compliance across complex global value chains – particularly in standard- and high-risk regions.
Source: Entwaldungsverordnung: Kommission veröffentlicht Länder-Benchmarking – Europäische Kommission