EUDR is not just another documentation obligation.
For many companies it will be necessary to change the way information is obtained from suppliers, data organisation and supply chain management. Problem is, a lot of companies still don't know, where to start the preparations. And mistakes made at the beginning may later mean problems with subsequent stages of the process.
"Our supplier ensures that everything is in line with EUDR"
It's one of the seemingly simplest solutions. The supplier declares compliance, so the company considers the subject closed. Is it? EUDR imposes obligations depending on the role of the company in the supply chain. The mere receipt of assurance from a counterparty does not always mean that the entrepreneur may completely ignore his own analysis.
It's crucial to establish who is responsible for the process and what information should be provided further.
And what mistakes do companies make most often?
Error 1: misdetermining the role of the company
The company can be convinced that it is only an importer or distributor, while the way it purchases, markets or processes the product may affect its obligations.
Therefore, before the preparations begin, the basic question is:
Error 2: Focusing only on the product
EUDR concerns certain products, but product analysis is only the beginning.
The entrepreneur should look more broadly at the source, supplier, production data and the entire flow of information in the supply chain.
In practice, therefore, the company may have all the data on the product itself, but it lacks the information needed to properly assess its conformity.
Error 3: leaving the preparations at the last minute
This approach could be risky. If the company cooperates with multiple suppliers, has a wide product catalogue or uses the international supply chain, collecting all information may be a time-consuming process.
What if the data is missing? We'll have to get back to the supplier. If the supplier does not have them, too? The process can extend even further.
Error 4: Treatment of EUDR as a single person’s task
In some companies, responsibility for EUDR is attempted to assign one person – e.g. an ESG specialist. EUDR may concern processes carried out by different departments. If each department has only a piece of information, the company needs first of all a coherent internal process.
This is why we invite everyone to:
– EUDR professional advice
– comprehensive training with current knowledge and practical approach
Together we will determine the role of the company in the supply chain, analyze imported products, help develop an action plan spread over time, identify the persons and departments responsible for individual EUDR requirements and create a coherent communication system.
