EUDR FAQs for UK beef sector levy payers

What is EUDR?

The EU Deforestation Regulation is an EU law that prevents products linked to deforestation from entering or leaving the EU market. It applies to commodities like beef, leather and soy.

What does deforestation-free mean?

Cattle must not have been raised on land which was deforested after 31 December 2020 to class as deforestation-free.

The definition of deforestation here is: Conversion of forest land to agricultural or other non-forest uses after 31 December 2020.

If cattle were raised on land cleared after this date, the resulting beef products will be non-compliant.

When does EUDR come into effect?

EUDR is due to come into effect on 30 December 2025 for large and medium businesses, while small and micro businesses have until 30 June 2026.

Does EUDR apply to domestic UK trade?

EUDR only applies to products entering or leaving the EU market, not to domestic UK trade.

What is a due diligence statement?

A due diligence statement is a declaration submitted to the EU system confirming that products meet EUDR requirements. Exporters and processors will handle this, but farmers must supply accurate data.

Who is responsible for compliance?

Processors and exporters submit the official statements, but farmers must provide accurate data for traceability.

Why does EUDR matter to UK beef producers?

More than 70% of UK beef exports go to the EU, so compliance with EUDR is essential to continue to access its markets. Non-compliance could block exports and harm the industry, with knock-on effects across the beef supply chain.

Which products are affected?

Beef, leather, and other cattle-derived products. A number of feed ingredients such as soya and palm-based products are also covered. 

What data do I need to provide?

UK farmers, processors and exporters will need to show geolocation coordinates for farms where cattle were raised and traceability records linking animals to their origin.

Will this increase costs or paperwork?

There will be an increase in costs and paperwork, but industry bodies are working on solutions to minimise impact by leveraging current traceability systems.

UK businesses placing relevant beef products on the EU market are not legally required to ensure that soy and other relevant feed ingredients fed as compound feed are verified as deforestation free.

However certain UK market requirements on deforestation may requiring closer engagement with feed suppliers.

How does EUDR affect feed?

Soyabean meal and the other feed ingredients in scope must be deforestation-free in order to be placed on the EU market. Suppliers will need to provide evidence of compliance to the relevant EU competent authority.

Official guidance can be found on the European Commission website.

For further information or questions on EUDR, please contact: eudr.enquiry@ahdb.org.uk