In April, the European Commission published new EUDR FAQs and guidance aimed at clarifying open questions especially regarding packaging and sample/testing products, and reducing administrative burden for companies, particularly regarding the volume of due diligence statements (DDS).

A key simplification for downstream non-SME operators and traders is that they only need to collect and validate DDS reference numbers from their suppliers and reference them in their own DDS, without having to gather all information mentioned under Article 9. The simplification only applies to downstream EU companies – non-EU farmers and producers must still collect and provide all required information and demonstrate compliance with deforestation-free and legal sourcing requirements.