Deforestation-free supply chains are sourcing arrangements in which covered commodities can be shown not to have been produced on land deforested after a defined cut-off date, as required by EU Regulation 2023/1115.
In trade practice
Operators placing covered commodities on the EU market must conduct due diligence, collect geolocation data for the plots of land where the commodity was produced and keep documentary evidence available for competent authority checks. Importers typically request georeferenced plot data and supplier declarations at the point of contracting. A common mistake is treating a sustainability certificate as a substitute for the geolocation and due diligence statement required by the Regulation. Compliance obligations apply to operators and traders, with simplified obligations for smaller traders.
In a specification
Purchase contracts for covered commodities should reference Regulation (EU) 2023/1115 and require the supplier to provide geolocation coordinates and a due diligence statement before shipment.