How is the progress of the EU Deforestation Regulation’s Information System?
Two months ago we shared the concerns about a workable and timely available information system for the submission of EUDR Due Diligence Statements (DDS).
This week the Commission gave an answer to a written question about the current status. The Commission replied that it “is currently focusing its efforts on preparing all relevant tools for a smooth implementation” and “is working to ensure that the information system reaches the required robustness and capacities in time”. The Commission assures that the information system and an application programming interface (API) will be available before the EUDR enters into force at the end of this year on 30 December.
It is unclear how little time will be left for operators and traders to have a “smooth and automated data exchange” with minimal “manual data input” to fulfil their obligations in time.
We have confidence in the effort the Commission says it is putting into this. It would really be a huge disappointment if there were a ‘valid’ excuse for rogue traders who are unwilling to meet their obligations. Parties preparing in good faith and our forests deserve the best.
