With the implementation of the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), many businesses are asking if packaging materials like wood and cardboard are included under the due diligence requirements. Since both wood and cardboard are derived from forest resources, the question of whether businesses need to perform due diligence on packaging materials arises.

Are Wood and Cardboard in itself Included in the EUDR?

Yes, wood and cardboard are included in the EUDR because they originate from forests. However, the regulation primarily applies to products placed on the EU market that may contribute to deforestation.

This has led to confusion about whether packaging materials also fall under these rules.

Do You Need to Perform Due Diligence for Wood and Cardboard as Packaging Materials?

No, you do not need to perform due diligence for packaging materials used to ship products. The EUDR focuses on the product being traded or placed on the market, not the materials used for packaging it.

Unless you're specifically selling the packaging itself—such as a wooden box or cardboard packaging made from EUDR-regulated materials—there is no obligation to carry out a due diligence statement on the origin of these packaging materials.

In summary, while wood and cardboard are included in the EUDR, businesses shipping products in wood or cardboard packaging around non-EUDR products are not required to perform due diligence on the packaging itself.

Conclusion

If your business uses wood or cardboard packaging, you can rest assured that due diligence under the EUDR applies only if you're trading the packaging materials themselves, not the products packed within them. Ensure compliance by focusing on the core products being sold, while the packaging can remain a secondary concern.

By understanding this distinction, businesses can better navigate EUDR compliance without unnecessary concerns about packaging materials.