At the end of 2025, the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) timeline was extended by one year with adjustments in several key areas. Still, the core requirement of the EUDR remains unchanged: the first operators placing products on the EU market must prove they are deforestation-free and legally produced and backed by a Due Diligence Statement.

The clock may have shifted — the responsibility has not. For many importers and market operators, questions remain around data quality, traceability, and practical implementation. That’s why 2026 is not a “wait-and-see” period. It’s a strategic preparation window to build reliable systems, close data gaps, and ensure compliance without last-minute pressure.

This extra year is your advantage — if you use it well.

Donau Soja is here to help you do exactly that. We combine:

• Crop Insights end-to-end EUDR software solution for traceability, deforestation risk analysis, legality documentation and Due Diligence submission directly to EUDR IT system (https://www.crop-insights.com/)

• Hands-on expert guidance tailored to your supply chains and business model and practical support to turn regulatory requirements into workable daily processes

So when EUDR fully applies, you’re not reacting — you’re ready

What’s new: 

Updated timeline:

• Large and medium-sized companies: EUDR applies from 30 December 2026

• Micro and small companies: EUDR applies from 30 June 2027

Due diligence obligations:

• Only primary operators and the first downstream operators have due diligence obligations – “primary operator + 1”

• Primary operators (first placing the product on the EU market) have the full responsibility to:

• Prove that products are deforestation-free and legally produced

• Upload a Due Diligence Statement (DDS) to the EUDR IT system

• First downstream operators must collect and store the DDS reference number but not check or verify the information in the DDS (unless there are substantiated concerns)

• After this step, due diligence obligations end -further downstream operators have no EUDR duties

New category: micro and small primary operators

• If they operate from low-risk countries, they only need to submit a one-off, simplified declaration

• If the required information already exists in Member State databases, the authorities must create the DDS for the farmers, automatically generate a reference number and forward it to the farmers

Further simplifications may follow

• The European Commission must review the impact of these simplifications by 30 April 2026 and publish a report with potential additional simplifications.

If you want to navigate the EUDR with confidence, get in touch with us at info@crop-insights.com.