EU Commission Launches EUDR “Information System”,
A Portal For Europeans To Begin Tracking Compliance
The European Commission has just delivered on its platform for companies to provide EUDR data by launching the online “Information System.” This online portal allows companies to “indicate the exact origins of products and materials by drawing areas on a map, or by providing coordinates individually or in bulk” through the Information System website. The press release promises the Information System will “make the process as simple as possible for companies working with products from multiple locations, there are options for uploading, copying or re-using location information,” and data can be provided in GeoJSON format or through a compatible API.
This system will only apply for products brought into the EU market after the enforcement period of the EUDR law, which is December 30th 2025. However, since it is possible that many manufacturers or traders will be using their current inventory for product shipments next year, we expect a very rapid increase in requests from global customers for EUDR-conformance. Please note this system is only accessible to organizations that have an Economic Operator Registration and Identification (EORI) number provided by a Member State or UK(NI) authority. That means that U.S. hardwood exporters that do not have operations in the EU (or Northern Ireland) and do not have an EORI or VAT number are not able to interact directly with the system. Responsibility for preparing EUDR-conformant due diligence statements and submitting to the Information System lies with the EU Operator. There is still a considerable amount of confusion regarding the EUDR and its requirements, so if a customer of yours is asking for EUDR compliance, please make sure they have familiarized themselves with the EU Information System and have a strong understanding of the data needed.
A helpful feature of the EU Information System is the “ACCEPTANCE” server, which is essentially a training room to test out the system and become comfortable with the process. This server will allow European companies to explore the process and see the exact information that is required. Companies can also send a maximum of 3 GeoJSON files directly to the Commission team and they will provide feedback about the test results. There is more information and training videos available on the Information System homepage:
AHEC continues to work to help satisfy the requirements and interface with the Information System through the development of the SHC program. SHC is built on data demonstrating a negligible risk of illegal harvest and deforestation to the county level in the United States and will allow the data to be rapidly delivered with each consignment, together with geolocation coordinates, to their customers in the EU and other export markets. Pilot testing of the web-based tool was underway in January and February 2025. A key part of this pilot testing will involve direct cooperation with U.S. company volunteers and EU importers to ensure efficient transfer of the data they need to enter onto the Information System. We are also exploring options that will allow companies to include exact plots of land within a county as supplemental data that will be provided in the EU’s required format.
For more details on the EUDR Information System visit the Launch Press Release:
and the homepage for the Information System:
