Enforcement of the European Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) has been delayed for one year and is now scheduled to take effect on December 30, 2025. This delay provides a valuable opportunity for companies to thoroughly prepare for its requirements. The EUDR aims to improve supply chain transparency and combat deforestation and forest degradation – tasks that go far beyond simple IT implementation. Companies can use this additional time to build stable and sustainable structures that not only ensure EUDR compliance but also contribute to long-term sustainability goals.  

What does the EUDR delay mean for companies? 

Postponement doesn’t mean cancellation. The delay gives companies the opportunity to make informed decisions and establish sustainable structures that will future proof their supply chains.  

The EUDR requirements are complex and require significant effort to comply. Effective use of this extended timeline is critical. It allows companies to prepare strategically and comprehensively for the upcoming regulations, creating a long-term framework for sustainability and compliance that goes beyond short-term fixes.  

Key focus areas for preparation:  

1.  Optimize processes and systems  
   Strong structures and processes are the foundation for efficient and compliant regulatory implementation. The delay gives companies the opportunity to implement and refine these systems. This includes the integration of regulatory software solutions such as the osapiens HUB for EUDR, which streamlines EUDR implementation and seamlessly connects to existing ERP systems, ensuring a smooth integration into current IT frameworks.  

2. Supply chain visibility pilots     
   Supply chain visibility is a core element of EUDR. However, the complexity of many supply chains makes achieving full transparency a significant challenge. The delay allows companies to initiate projects to improve transparency. Pilot projects can help to establish or optimize data collection and documentation processes. The osapiens HUB for EUDR has already helped more than 200 companies create transparent and efficient processes that provide a solid foundation for EUDR compliance.

3. Efficient resource planning and data collection
   Collecting extensive data across the supply chain is one of the most time-consuming aspects of EUDR compliance, especially given the number of stakeholders involved. Use this time to identify the necessary data and deploy resources efficiently. A software solution can be a key enabler. The osapiens HUB for EUDR automates data collection and risk assessment, saving valuable time and significantly reducing manual effort. 

4. Delay, not dismissal  
   A one-year delay may seem like a lot of time – but it’s not. Implementing the regulation requires significant effort, and building sustainable structures requires careful planning. Companies that act proactively now will have a clear advantage when the regulation comes into force.  

Four critical factors for successful EUDR compliance 

Preparation is the cornerstone of successful compliance. These four elements are particularly critical:  

1.  Data Management   
   Managing and organizing product and supplier data is a significant challenge. Understanding what data is needed and how to obtain it is key. Software solutions such as the osapiens HUB for EUDR help to centralize and maintain this data, ensuring accuracy and transparency.    

2. Process optimization     
   The complex requirements of EUDR make it essential to analyze, optimize and adapt business processes to meet new standards. The osapiens HUB for EUDR provides predefined workflows and standardized questionnaires to ensure compliance and streamline processes efficiently.  

3. Process Automation  
   The multi-faceted requirements of the EUDR require significant manual effort if handled without automation. The osapiens HUB focuses on automation, enabling efficient and resource-saving processes from data collection to risk analysis. It seamlessly integrates with existing systems. 

4. Collaboration with suppliers 
   EUDR compliance requires close collaboration with suppliers. To streamline this process, it is critical to minimize the burden on suppliers. Suppliers are often required to provide different data sets for each customer, resulting in significant manual effort. The osapiens Supplier Portal reduces this burden and automates key processes, ensuring efficiency for all parties involved.   

The osapiens HUB for EUDR: Your compliance solution 

Manually complying with EUDR requirements is a daunting task that is nearly impossible without a software solution. The osapiens HUB for EUDR enables companies to efficiently meet compliance requirements and build a sustainable and transparent supply chain, while taking the necessary steps today to successfully meet EUDR requirements. More than 200 companies worldwide are already using the osapiens solution.