What’s the difference between EUTR & EUDR?

EUTR (European Union Timber Regulation)

EUTR， The full name of the European Union Timber Regulation has been implemented since 2013, with the main goal of curbing illegal logging of timber and ensuring that timber and wood products entering the EU market have legal sources. The regulation requires companies to conduct due diligence on their supply chain, confirm the legality of timber sources, and record detailed information about suppliers and customers. EUTR is mainly applicable to wood and its products, such as paper, wood fibers, wooden boards, etc., with relatively low traceability requirements for the supply chain.

EUDR (European Union Deforestation Regulation)

EUDR， The full name is the European Union Deforestation Regulation, which was officially released in 2023 and will come into full effect in 2025. EUDR not only focuses on the issue of illegal logging, but also extends to all commodities that contribute to deforestation and degradation, including beef, rubber, coffee, cocoa, palm oil, soybeans, and their derivatives. EUDR requires higher transparency and traceability, and companies need to collect and report detailed geographic location data, conduct risk assessments and mitigation measures, and submit annual due diligence statements. The coverage of EUDR is broader, requiring companies to trace the source of their supply chain in all aspects and to conduct stricter inspections of products from high-risk areas. ‌

So EUDR is an extended and enhanced version of EUTR, aimed at addressing global deforestation and environmental protection issues more comprehensively.

How to deal with EUDR?

Wenzhou Richer Packaging Co., Ltd is a gift packaging supplier who focuses on paper bags, paper boxes, gift wraps and cards etc. Deeply cultivating the European market for many years. Undoubtedly, we face to a huge challenge if EUDR come into force.

However, our corporation holds a positive attitude to tackle with it.

STEP.1

We set up a complete EUDR due diligence system.

Basic elements and steps for establishing EUDR due diligence system

● Preparation

1. Draw a supply chain diagram: the flow process from raw materials to products

2. Determine the scope of the system: EUDR products, key suppliers

3. Establish a system: due diligence process and corresponding documents

● Promise

1. Zero deforestation policy

2. System architecture and responsibilities

3. Zero deforestation target

4. Supplier evaluation

● Execution

1. Risk assessment: evaluation of one's own due diligence situation; Supplier due diligence evaluation

2. Traceability assessment

3. Annual review of risk assessment

● Rectification

1. Risk mitigation measures

2. Proactive response measures

● Maintenance

1. Maintain due diligence system: Continuously update through internal evaluation and management review.

2. Keep relevant records and documents for at least 5 years

● Communication

1. Appeal mechanism: Consider internal and external needs, clarify the handling process

2. Report relevant information on the due diligence system

STEP 2.

On June.28, 2024, we apply to authoritative third-party organization（Intertek Sai Global) for conducting an audit and evaluation, and finally obtained EUDR risk assessment report on September 30, 2024 after evaluation. Prove that Wenzhou Richer Packaging Co., Ltd has the conditions and capabilities to conduct due diligence in accordance with the EUDR (EU Zero Deforestation Act) requirements.

STEP 3.

According to the EUDR DDS due diligence system, Wenzhou Richer Packaging Co., Ltd will conduct due diligence on each order which covered the EUDR products. Once requested or questioned by EU authorities, RICHER will immediately provide these documents to prove that the enterprise has completed due diligence in accordance with the EU Zero Deforestation Act (EUDR) and keep these files for 5 years.

STEP 4.

In future, Wenzhou Richer Packaging Co., Ltd will urge upstream suppliers to purchase paper pulp from low risk countries such as Norway, Finland. Seeking for more alternative supplier and improving the supply chain in further.