Start today: Action strategies for EUDR Compliance

Our event “Start today: Action strategies for EUDR Compliance”, brought together European Deforestation-Free Regulation (EUDR) experts and stakeholders from industry and government to exchange insights, explore emerging trends, and drive meaningful discussions.

This exclusive gathering was designed for managers and leaders in sustainability, procurement, customs, and trade, as well as other stakeholders impacted by the EUDR, who are beginning their journey toward compliance. A key focus was KPMG’s cross-competence approach, which strengthens the interpretation, verification, and guidance on the EUDR.

Below, you'll find key takeaways from the event, including strategic insights and lessons learned.

EUDR in the news – KPMG provided a comprehensive update on the EUDR, detailing the regulation’s timing, scope, and key implications. Insights were shared based on feedback from clients and partners across various sectors, offering a comprehensive view of how companies are preparing for and adjusting to the regulation’s requirements.

Insights by the Belgian authorities – The Belgian Customs Authorities offered valuable perspectives on how the EUDR is being implemented from a customs standpoint.

Interactive panel discussion – A lively panel featuring experts from Agoria, Belgian Customs, and Barry Callebaut provided detailed insights into EUDR challenges, real-world impacts, and strategies for navigating compliance. The discussion was particularly focused on sharing experiences and lessons learned, with practical strategies to help businesses implement the EUDR.

• Veerle Van Steen (Expert Sustainability & Environment for Agoria) – Veerle shared her expertise on how Agoria is supporting its members in navigating the EUDR journey. She highlighted the most significant challenges faced by Agoria members, including the complexities of ensuring full compliance across diverse sectors and supply chains.
• Wim Weyn (Attaché Economic Support for Belgian Customs) – Wim provided valuable insights from a customs enforcement perspective, discussing the key challenges Belgian Customs faces in implementing the EUDR. His presentation included practical cases to illustrate how customs procedures are evolving in response to the regulation, helping businesses understand the compliance landscape.
• Tom Coumans (VP Business Optimization Programs for Barry Callebaut) – Tom shared how Barry Callebaut is managing the EUDR’s impact on its value chains. He provided a detailed overview of the company’s efforts to adapt its supply chain operations, from engaging suppliers and farmers to working with stakeholders throughout the value chain to ensure compliance.

Explore four key takeaways that can help ease business’ EUDR compliance journey:

• Collaboration is key: A successful EUDR implementation requires an interdisciplinary approach, involving cross-functional teams and strong cooperation between customers, suppliers, and internal departments.
• Strong data governance: A well-structured data governance framework is essential for navigating EUDR’s complex requirements. Leveraging technology solutions can further streamline compliance efforts.
• Correct customs classification: Properly classifying products is a critical first step, as it helps define the scope of obligations under the EUDR and ensures compliance from the outset.
• Turning the EUDR into an opportunity: Instead of seeing the EUDR as a challenge, businesses can use it to enhance internal processes and strategic positioning, driving value and maintaining a competitive edge.

By focusing on collaboration, governance, and product classification, businesses can take actionable steps to comply with the EUDR while strengthening their operations. Explore our whitepaper on the EUDR for deeper insights into the topic.