Certification and the EU Deforestation Regulation: Helpful, But Not Enough

Certification can support risk assessment and due diligence, but it cannot replace it.

What the Guidance Says

According to EUDR documentation, certification schemes like FSC or PEFC may provide useful information for compliance support. However, operators remain fully responsible for ensuring that products are legal and deforestation-free. Certification use is voluntary and doesn’t shift responsibility requirements.

Where Certification Helps

Certification delivers verified harvest legality data and traceability systems. It streamlines due diligence processes and builds customer trust through sustainability demonstrations.

Why Assessment Is Key

Different schemes vary in scope, audit quality, and credibility. Operators must evaluate three dimensions: standards alignment, implementation robustness, and governance strength. The guidance emphasizes careful review to avoid false assurance.

The Takeaway

Certification should function as supporting evidence, not a compliance shortcut. Effective compliance requires combining certification with geolocation data, supplier documentation, and independent verification.

How 11Foundry Helps

The company integrates certifications into broader EUDR workflows through its Command Center platform.