EU deforestation rules apply from 30 December 2026: what Indian suppliers and EU buyers need

SRV International editorial desk | Compliance | 5 minute read

SRV team member auditing a packaging plant with the factory owner

The EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) requires companies placing certain products on the EU market to prove they were not produced on land deforested after 31 December 2020, and that they were produced legally. After two postponements, it applies to large and medium companies from 30 December 2026.

Key dates

30 December 2026: large and medium operators, and micro and small enterprises in the timber sector.
30 June 2027: other micro and small operators.
In May 2026 the European Commission completed a simplification review and confirmed there will be no further postponement.

Which products are covered

The regulation covers cattle, cocoa, coffee, oil palm, rubber, soya and wood, and many products made from them. For India, the most relevant are coffee, natural rubber, and wood products such as furniture and handicrafts. In July 2026 the Commission adopted a delegated act updating the product list. Changes it had proposed include adding soluble coffee and removing leather and some other categories, so check the final list for your tariff code.

What is required

Geolocation of the plots of land where the commodity was produced.
Evidence that the land was not deforested after the cut off date.
Evidence of legal production under the laws of the country of origin.
A due diligence statement submitted through the EU information system by the EU operator.

The Commission estimates that the changes made since 2025 will reduce compliance costs by about 75% compared with the original rules, but the core obligation to trace products to the plot remains.

What buyers should do now

Identify which of your Indian products fall within scope.
Ask suppliers for plot geolocation and land records now. Collecting this from many smallholders takes time.
Agree who prepares what in your supply contract, and keep records for at least five years.

Our sourcing team carries out supplier audits in person across India. Ask us about traceability for your products.

Sources

This article is general information, not legal, tax or customs advice. Trade rules change often, so confirm the position for your product with your customs broker before you ship.