The EU Deforestation Act aims to prevent the import and distribution of products that lead to deforestation in the EU. Companies that import or sell wood, paper or cardboard must ensure that these materials come from sustainable, deforestation-free sources. The law requires evidence of the entire supply chain and companies must prove the traceability and sustainability of their products.
Originally, the regulation came into force on June 30, 2023, and after a transitional period, it was to be applied on a mandatory basis from December 30, 2024. An extended transition period of 24 months was planned for small companies, with validity from June 30, 2025.
However, the EU Commission is planning to postpone the law's entry into force by one year due to feedback on the preparation period. If the proposal is adopted by the EU Parliament and member states, the law would now become mandatory for large companies on December 30, 2025 and for micro and small companies on June 30, 2026. This adjustment is intended to give the parties concerned more time to implement the complex requirements of the EU Deforestation Act and prepare the necessary measures to comply with the regulations.
Requirements of the EU Deforestation Act:
Proof of sustainability in the supply chain:
Companies that violate the law must expect strict sanctions such as import bans or high fines.
The EU Deforestation Act plays a crucial role in reducing CO₂ emissions, as forests act as natural carbon sinks. By preventing deforestation, the law not only protects biodiversity and ecosystems, but also makes a significant contribution to climate protection. Forests absorb CO₂ from the atmosphere and store it in trees and soil over the long term. When forests are cut down, this stored carbon is released and increases the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.
The strict requirements of the EU Deforestation Act on the use of wood and paper products from sustainable forestry are intended to prevent the loss of forests and thus minimize the release of CO₂. At the same time, CO₂ sequestration is maintained by protecting existing forests, which makes a significant contribution to achieving global climate targets.
For printers and agencies, the EU deforestation law means that their supply chains, especially for paper and packaging materials, must be adapted to the new regulations. It is not enough to simply use sustainable paper; it must also be fully documented where it comes from and the sustainability of the materials must be communicated transparently.
Printers and agencies should take the following measures to comply with the requirements of the EU Deforestation Act:
A client wants to print 500,000 brochures for an advertising campaign. The agency chooses a printing company that uses FSC-certified paper. The print shop requests the FSC certificate and the Chain of Custody certificate from the supplier. These measures guarantee complete traceability and prove the sustainable origin of the materials. This ensures compliance with the EU Deforestation Act and strengthens customer confidence.
The EU Deforestation Act brings new challenges, but also offers opportunities. By using certified materials, transparent supply chains and seamless verification, print shops and agencies can not only meet the legal requirements, but also strengthen the trust of their customers. Sustainable procurement and open communication are the key to positioning themselves successfully in the market.
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