The EUDR and certifications for the Brazilian forestry sector

The European Union’s new regulation on deforestation-free products (EUDR) has had an impact on the entire global supply chain.

The EUDR, published on May 31, 2023, will take effect on December 30, 2024. This regulation prohibits the import and trade of commodities (such as soy, beef, palm oil and timber) from deforested areas after December 31, 2020. For Brazil, an important agribusiness player, this regulation presents challenges and opportunities.

Last year, Brazilian exports from the forestry sector to the European Union totaled US$8 billion. This figure includes US$ 6 billion in pulp, US$ 1.7 billion in paper and US$ 276 million in wood panels.

The Brazilian forestry industry continues to play a significant role in international trade, promoting sustainability and the conservation of natural resources.

The EUDR presents significant challenges for the Brazilian forestry sector, such as: high levels of historical deforestation, the absence of effective monitoring tools, the complexity of the production chain, land use conflicts and the difficulty of demonstrating compliance by small producers.

Despite these difficulties, Brazil also has environmental policies aligned with the objectives of the EUDR and technological tools that can help with compliance. However, policies are not enough.

Faced with these difficulties, the Brazilian forestry sector needs to adapt quickly to meet the requirements of the regulations.

In the current scenario, sustainability certifications play a crucial role in validating environmental practices. As awareness of environmental preservation grows, these seals ensure that products are manufactured responsibly, minimizing environmental impact and promoting the conservation of natural resources.

Control Union offers auditing and certification services for the main standards in the forestry sector worldwide. These include:

• Forest Stewardship Council (FSC): FSC certification guarantees responsible forest management. Companies with FSC-certified products demonstrate a commitment to sustainability.
• Sustainable Biomass Program (SBP): The SBP verifies sustainable biomass (such as wood pellets) for renewable energy. It is relevant for sectors that depend on biomass.
• Control Union Certifications: This verification ensures legality and sustainability throughout the supply chain.

As well as demonstrating environmental responsibility, certifications offer financial advantages. Certified companies can reduce operating costs, improve their image in the market and win the trust of consumers. Investing in sustainability is therefore an investment in the future, contributing to the preservation of our planet.

The Brazilian forestry sector is facing a crucial moment. By embracing certifications, promoting transparency and adopting sustainable practices, companies can thrive in the EUDR era.

As well as demonstrating environmental responsibility, certifications offer financial advantages. Certified companies can reduce operating costs, improve their image in the market and win the trust of consumers. Investing in sustainability is therefore an investment in the future, contributing to the preservation of our planet.

The Brazilian forestry sector is facing a crucial moment. By embracing certifications, promoting transparency and adopting sustainable practices, companies can thrive in the EUDR era.

Control Union Certifications has the best solutions for your company to eliminate the risks of non-compliance with EUDR requirements.