As an importer of high-quality cocoa from Latin America, we know that many of you are already familiar with the requirements of the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). However, what has changed since our last update in November 2024?

Here are the latest developments that are relevant to the cocoa trade and compliance planning for 2025.

Extension of the Deadline: One More Year
The EUDR, initially scheduled to take effect in December 2024, has now been postponed. The new deadline is December 30, 2025. For smaller companies, the deadline has been extended to June 30, 2026. This gives us and our suppliers in Latin America more time to implement the necessary adjustments. For you as buyers, this means you have additional time to prepare for the new requirements.

Zero-Risk Category: Simplifying Traceability
A key new development is the introduction of the “Zero-Risk Category”.Countries that are deemed safe in terms of deforestation will be required to provide less extensive documentation. Some of the producing countries we work with in Latin America may already fall into this category, making the documentation process easier for us as suppliers and for you as buyers.

The official list of “Zero-Risk” countries is still being developed by the EU, but countries like Costa Rica, Panama, and Colombia already have programs in place to promote sustainable agriculture and protect against deforestation in cocoa production areas. These regions may soon be considered risk-free.

Geolocation of Cocoa Farms: A Necessary Step
From 2025, all cocoa shipments must include precise geographic coordinates of the farms where the cocoa is grown. This technology enables accurate traceability, which will be crucial for us as an importer. With this measure, we can ensure that the cocoa we supply comes from sustainably managed areas and does not contribute to illegal deforestation.

Our Solution at Bohnkaf
To implement the EUDR, we use software that analyzes geodata for deforestation risks and transmits it to the EU Commission’s portal upon import into the EU. This generates a reference number for the Due Diligence Statement (DDS), which we pass on to our customers. Additionally, the solution sends questionnaires to our suppliers to capture social requirements in line with the EUDR.

What Does This Mean for You as a Buyer?

1. 1. Simple and Transparent Documentation: As an importer, we are responsible for providing the documentation and ensuring that all necessary origin certificates are available. You won’t need to worry about additional compliance requirements on your end.
2. 2. Competitive Advantage through Sustainable Supply Chains: By adhering to the EUDR and utilizing the Zero-Risk Category, you can meet your own sustainability requirements and position yourself as a responsible player in the market.
3. 3. Reduced Bureaucratic Effort: Thanks to the Zero-Risk Category, and improved traceability, bureaucratic processes will be simplified, making the sourcing process faster and more efficient for you.

Our Responsibility as an Importer
As the importer, we are responsible for providing the necessary documentation and proof of the cocoa's origin. We handle all compliance tasks and ensure that all the cocoa we deliver meets the EUDR requirements. Your role as a buyer is to review the documentation we provide and integrate it into your own compliance strategy.

The new EUDR presents challenges, but it also offers an opportunity to further enhance our commitment to sustainable and transparent supply chains. As your partner, we are well-prepared to navigate these changes and continue supplying you with high-quality cocoa from Latin America.

Conclusion
The EUDR will have a lasting impact on the cocoa industry. With the extension of deadlines, we all have more time to prepare for the requirements. As your supplier, we will ensure that all necessary documentation is in place, allowing you, as buyers of cocoa, to continue benefiting from sustainably sourced cocoa. Use this time to coordinate with us and ensure that your supply chains comply with the new regulatory requirements.