Overview

On December 30, 2024 the European Union’s Defor­estation‑Free Product Regulation (EUDR) became law, obligating sellers on EU Amazon marketplaces to prove that certain goods are not linked to forest loss. The rule targets raw commodities and any finished items that contain them, forcing Amazon merchants to collect and retain detailed traceability records. Non‑compliance can trigger listing removals or broader account penalties, making the change a top priority for cross‑border sellers.

Key Points

• Effective date — The regulation entered into force on 30 December 2024, giving sellers a short window to prepare compliance documentation.
• Seven core commodities — Cattle, cocoa, coffee, palm oil, rubber, soya and wood are the raw materials subject to the rule, and every product derived from them falls under scrutiny.
• Full supply‑chain traceability — Sellers must document the origin of raw materials back to the exact plot of land where they were produced, regardless of whether the deforestation occurred inside or outside the EU.
• Amazon’s enforcement stance — Amazon may request proof of compliance at any time; failure to provide it can lead to removal of individual listings or suspension of the seller’s EU storefront.
• Broad product coverage — Categories such as paper books, wooden furniture, chocolate, coffee, leather accessories, rubber parts and palm‑oil‑based cosmetics are now in scope.
• Potential cost impact — Suppliers in high‑risk regions (e.g., South America, Southeast Asia, Africa) may charge premium prices for certified, deforestation‑free raw materials, affecting profit margins.

How the EUDR Works

1. Commodity identification — Sellers first determine whether any of their SKUs contain or are derived from the seven regulated raw materials.

   • Example: A “organic dark chocolate bar” contains cocoa, so it triggers the rule.

2. Supply‑chain mapping — For each affected SKU, the seller must trace the product back to the exact farm, plantation or forest area where the raw material originated.