The EUDR introduces a new era of supply chain responsibility, especially for Operators who import timber from outside the EU. Let us return to Ana, this time as a German business owner importing timber from Brazil.
Ana the Operator
Ana has expanded her business. She now imports tropical hardwood from Brazil to craft premium decking. But with this growth comes greater responsibility. Because Ana is the first to place this timber on the EU market, she is now an Operator under EUDR.
That means she is responsible for full due diligence.
What Does Ana Need to Do?
Here is her new checklist:
- Deforestation-Free: Timber must not come from land deforested after Dec 31, 2020
- Geolocation: Identify the exact plot of land where the tree was harvested (with GPS coordinates)
- Legality: Timber must comply with Brazil's laws (not just EU rules)
- Risk Assessment: Identify and mitigate any sourcing risks
- Due Diligence Statement: Submit this before placing products on the market
Mind Map for Operators:
- Source responsibly
- Gather supporting documents (permits, GPS, supply chain data)
- Assess and mitigate risks
- Log all data and submit an official Due Diligence Statement
As anticipated, Ana may encounter challenges such as obtaining GPS data from her Brazilian supplier, verifying the legal harvest status of the timber, and navigating Brazil's complex environmental regulations.
How Timberhub Steps In
Ana signs up for Timberhub's pilot program and discovers a platform built for this exact challenge. It:
- Helps her request GPS data and documentation from suppliers
- Verifies traceability and legality
- Generates and stores due diligence reports
Ana now feels more confident. She is not just compliant; she is future-proofing her business.
Final Thought:
Whether you are buying from Sweden or sourcing from Brazil, EUDR touches every part of the timber supply chain. And understanding your role (Trader or Operator) is the first step toward regulatory compliance.