Unpacking the EU Deforestation Regulation’s Legal Production Requirement

The note discusses the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), in effect since June 2023, which requires that products traded or exported in the EU market be free from deforestation and comply with the laws of their country of origin It emphasizes the importance of the legal production requirement, which can drive improvements in forest governance and sustainable development in producer countries Additionally, it mentions implications for businesses, small producers, and governments, and suggests that lessons from the timber sector can be applied to meet these new requirements, such as developing clear legal frameworks and ensuring the involvement of multiple actors in the compliance process.