Official EUDR timeline

The European Commission has confirmed that EUDR enforcement for large companies starts on 30 December 2026, and from 30 June 2027 for micro and SMEs. These deadlines were extended by one year from the original plan, giving Romanian companies extra time to prepare.

However, the exact direction of implementation remains under discussion at European level. Many technical details — including how the TRACES system will work for timber — are not yet finalized. What is clear: companies need to prepare now, not wait for complete clarification.

What operators must do

Companies placing wood products on the EU market (lumber, furniture, paper, pallets) must demonstrate that:

  • Material comes from areas not deforested after 31 December 2020
  • It was harvested in accordance with the legislation of the country of origin
  • Each batch has geolocation coordinates for source plots
  • Data will be submitted to the EU TRACES system — the exact format and submission procedure are still being defined

What we know and what remains uncertain

The core obligations are clear: due diligence, traceability, geolocation. But practical implementation raises open questions:

  • How will SUMAL connect to TRACES for Romanian companies?
  • What level of detail will be required in geolocation declarations?
  • How will rules apply to composite products (furniture, panels)?

We recommend following updates on the official EUDR page of the European Commission and consulting with compliance specialists.

How FSC and PEFC certification helps

FSC or PEFC certification does not replace the due diligence obligation under EUDR. However, a certified chain of custody provides documented traceability, annual independent audit and legality evidence that can be reused in the EUDR file. Already-certified companies have a significant advantage in EUDR preparation.

Additionally, our digital platform with SUMAL 2.0 integration ensures automatic material traceability — from forest to final product.

EUDR Training

In a context where rules are new and evolving, team preparation is essential. Sustainability Today offers EUDR training programs covering all practical aspects: due diligence, geolocation, risk assessment and compliance documentation.

Training is available for companies in Romania as well as operators and traders from other regions.

Recommended steps now

  1. Map your supply chain — identify all direct suppliers of wood material
  2. Collect geolocation coordinates — polygons or points for source plots
  3. Verify legality — APV, exploitation contract, ITRSV authorisations
  4. Attend an EUDR training — to understand requirements and prepare your team
  5. Implement digital traceability — to have structured data when TRACES becomes operational

Sustainability Today provides integrated consultancy for group CoC certification and EUDR preparation. Our certification group members benefit from dedicated support and a digital platform with automatic traceability.