EU adopts country benchmarking system under EUDR
The European Commission adopted an Implementing Act establishing a country benchmarking system under the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) on May 22.
It classifies countries as low, standard or high risk based on their deforestation links to seven key commodities: cattle, cocoa, coffee, oil palm, rubber, soya and wood.
The system aims to support due diligence, aid enforcement and encourage more sustainable production practices. Risk levels determine the extent of compliance checks, with reduced obligations for operators sourcing from low-risk countries.
A Staff Working Document outlines the methodology, using FAO global forest data.
The Sustainable Leather Foundation reports that most countries, including Brazil and Indonesia, are low or standard risk. Only Belarus, Myanmar, North Korea and Russia are classed as high risk.
The classification will be reviewed in 2026 following updated FAO data. Translations will be available when the regulation is published in the EU’s Official Journal.
