News
EUDR Delayed 12 Months
The European Union has officially delayed the implementation of its European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) by 12 months, pushing key compliance requirements into 2026. This extension offers U.S. hardwood exporters—along with WPMA members who supply, distribute, or manufacture wood products—critical additional time to prepare for one of the most far-reaching traceability and due-diligence regulations the industry has ever faced.
Why the Delay Matters
The EUDR requires companies placing wood and wood-derived products into the EU market to provide detailed, plot-level geolocation data and robust due-diligence documentation proving the wood was not sourced from deforested land. Many U.S. companies have expressed concern about the complexity of gathering parcel-specific origin data, especially for hardwoods harvested from mixed, privately-owned forests.
A 12-month delay:
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Reduces immediate compliance pressure
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Allows supply chains more time to build credible traceability systems
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Provides additional guidance expected from both EU authorities and U.S. forestry agencies
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Gives small and medium-sized producers—common among WPMA members—time to understand their obligations
Implications for U.S. Hardwood Exporters
This extension is particularly significant for exporters of lumber, dimension stock, mouldings, and other primary/secondary wood products destined for Europe. While large mills may already be working toward parcel-level traceability, most small and mid-size producers have not yet built systems to capture geocoordinates or validate compliance at the level the EUDR requires.
Key industry groups (AHEC, HPVA, IHLA) continue to advocate for a risk-based approach better aligned with U.S. forest practices. The delay gives the U.S. hardwood sector more room to negotiate solutions or standardized systems that exporters of all sizes can adopt.
What WPMA Members Should Do Now
Even if you do not directly ship to Europe, your customers may soon request EUDR-compliant documentation. Manufacturers of mouldings, cabinetry, furniture, or components made from U.S. hardwoods could be asked to provide chain-of-custody assurances.
WPMA recommends members:
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Stay informed as guidance evolves
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Clarify with suppliers whether any materials may be routed to the EU
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Evaluate current documentation practices (purchase records, species declarations, FSC/PEFC documentation, etc.)
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Consider whether FSC certification or other third-party verification may help reduce future compliance burdens
WPMA will continue to monitor EUDR developments and share updates, resources, and member-focused guidance as the new timelines become clearer.