The EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) is shaking up the timber industry. But what does it mean if you're trading timber products within Europe? Let's follow Ana, a business owner in Germany, as she learns what being a Trader under the EUDR means for her.

Meet Ana, a Trader from Germany

Ana runs a boutique decking company in southern Germany. She sources timber from a sawmill in Sweden, and sells timber decking across Europe. Until recently, she never had to think twice about sourcing: Sweden has sustainable forests, her partners are FSC-certified, and the wood is high-quality.

But then she hears about the EUDR. A new layer of rules? Even within Europe?

Understanding the Role of a Trader

Ana discovers that because she buys timber that has already been placed on the EU market (by the Swedish sawmill), she is classified as a Trader, not an Operator. That's a relief — Traders don't have to conduct full due diligence themselves.

But there's still work to do.

As a Trader, Ana must:

• Keep records of her suppliers (for 5 years!)
• Ensure her supplier (the Swedish sawmill) is compliant with EUDR
• Be ready to prove this if authorities ask

Step-by-Step Mind Map for Traders:

• Know Your Supplier: Are they an Operato? Are they EUDR-ready?
• Get the Docs: Ask for the due diligence reference from your supplier
• Keep Records: Store invoices, contracts, and supplier info for 5 years
• Assess Risk: If something looks off, flag it

Ana learns that being a Trader still requires vigilance. She can't assume everything is compliant just because it's from another EU country. She starts documenting her supplier interactions, double-checking their certifications, and storing everything in one place.

How Timberhub Helps Traders

Ana joins Timberhub's platform and discovers she can centralize supplier information, automatically track product compliance, and get alerts if anything changes.

Now, Ana can continue building decks across Europe with peace of mind.

Takeaway:

Even if you're not the first to place timber on the EU market, EUDR still affects you. Traders like Ana play a crucial role in maintaining transparent and responsible supply chains.