SHERIDAN, WYOMING – October 29, 2024 – The German DIY industry associations are breathing a sigh of relief as the European Commission proposes a 12-month delay in the implementation of the Entwaldungsfreie Lieferkettenverordnung (EUDR), or Deforestation-free Supply Chains Regulation. This postponement provides much-needed preparation time for businesses grappling with the complexities of the new regulation.
The EUDR aims to ensure that products placed on the EU market have not contributed to deforestation or forest degradation anywhere in the world. While the industry supports the regulation's environmental goals, it has also raised concerns about its feasibility and potential impact on businesses.
"Stopping the further decline of global forest area is a sensible and worthwhile goal," says Dr. Peter Wüst, General Manager of the DIY trade association. "However, the measures required for this path must also be affordable for all economic operators affected by it."
Norbert Lindemann, Managing Director of the HHG (manufacturer's association), adds: "Measures must always be considered in terms of their impact; and the bureaucratic effort caused by regulations must be in a reasonable and appropriate proportion."
The industry associations emphasize the need for further improvements to the regulation, including the elimination of duplicate checks on goods that have already undergone due diligence. They also stress the importance of timely support measures, tools, databases, and delegated regulations from the European Commission to help businesses prepare for the new requirements.
"In the end, bureaucracy also causes costs - costs for the economy and consumers," adds Anna Hackstein, Managing Director of the Industrieverband Garten (garden industry association).
The associations question whether the risk assessment through geolocation matching throughout the entire supply chain is the most efficient way to prevent circumvention and misdeclaration of wood products. They suggest that further development of existing certification systems might be a more effective alternative.
The postponement of the EUDR's implementation provides a valuable opportunity to address these concerns and ensure that the regulation is both effective and feasible for businesses. The DIY industry remains committed to working with the European Commission to achieve the shared goal of deforestation-free supply chains.
About the Associations
- BHB represents DIY stores in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.
- HHG represents manufacturers of DIY products in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.
- IVG represents manufacturers of consumer and consumer goods in the green industry.
This collaboration reflects the industry's unified voice in advocating for sustainable practices and responsible sourcing.