Overview
The EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) establishes specific requirements regarding mass balance chains of custody, emphasizing traceability and segregation while maintaining practical implementation standards.
Core Requirements
Prohibited Practices
- Mass balance systems that allow mixing of compliant and non-compliant materials
- Combining verified materials with unknown origin products
- Mixing deforestation-free commodities with non-verified materials
Mandatory Elements
- Traceability to plot of land
- Physical segregation throughout supply chain
- Documented chain of custody
- Verification systems
Implementation Guidelines
Segregation Requirements
- Physical Separation
- Distinct storage areas
- Separate processing lines
- Clear material identification
- Documentation
- Source verification records
- Chain of custody tracking
- Compliance documentation
Verification Systems
- Entry Points
- Source verification
- Documentation checks
- Compliance assessment
- Supply Chain Controls
- Segregation protocols
- Transfer documentation
- Verification procedures
Compliance vs. Identity Preservation
Required
- Plot-level traceability
- Physical segregation
- Chain of custody documentation
- Compliance verification
Not Required
- Batch-level tracking
- Individual product tracing
- Full identity preservation
- Origin-specific separation
Best Practices
System Design
- Clear segregation protocols
- Robust documentation systems
- Staff training programs
- Regular compliance audits
Risk Management
- Supplier verification
- Material flow monitoring
- Documentation reviews
- Compliance checks
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why are mass balance systems prohibited?
A: They don't guarantee that specific products entering the EU market are deforestation-free since they allow mixing with non-compliant materials.
Q: Is identity preservation required?
A: No, while segregation is mandatory, full identity preservation isn't required.
Q: What does segregation mean in practice?
A: Compliant materials must be physically separated from non-compliant or unknown origin materials throughout the supply chain.
Q: Can I mix certified materials from different sources?
A: Only if all sources are verified deforestation-free and traceable to their plots of land.
Q: Do I need to track individual batches?
A: You need to maintain segregation and traceability but don't need batch-level identity preservation.