From Intent to Implementation: Sharing EUDR Data with Customers and Suppliers

Six months ago, many conversations about the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) began and ended with a single question: “Are you compliant?”. But as the regulation moves closer to enforcement, the conversation has evolved. Businesses are no longer satisfied with surface-level assurances, they now want to understand what information needs to be shared, how it should be shared, and when.

This marks a critical shift from intent to implementation. Whether you’re an EU operator, a non-EU supplier, or a business somewhere in between, the spotlight is now on practical data exchange. What was once a checkbox exercise has become a collaborative process - one that depends on clarity, consistency, and timing.

Understanding What EUDR Information Is Needed

The first step is defining exactly what information your business is responsible for. That means knowing which of your products fall within the scope of the EUDR, understanding your obligations under the regulation, and confirming the country of origin for each relevant item. You’ll also need to check whether a Due Diligence Statement (DDS) already exists upstream and whether you have EU customers downstream who rely on your data to complete their own compliance processes.

These questions are not just administrative. They shape the entire flow of information through your supply chain, determining what you must collect, what you must share, and with whom.

How EUDR Information Is Shared

Once you know what needs to be shared, the next challenge is deciding how to share it. There’s no single, EU-wide approach to EUDR data exchange, which means a variety of methods have emerged across industries. Each comes with its own advantages and limitations, and the right choice often depends on your technical setup, partner relationships, and compliance maturity.

• For many organisations, API integration offers the ideal scenario: a seamless, automated exchange of data between connected systems. It reduces manual entry, eliminates duplication, and keeps information consistent. But it’s not without challenges. Technical implementation and ongoing maintenance can be significant undertakings, especially when partners use different systems. The key question is whether your systems, and those of your partners, can support that level of connectivity.
• Others are turning to EUDR platforms - like Interu, which provide a central place to input, manage, and share due diligence data. These platforms can simplify workflows and bring consistency to reporting, while also offering clear audit trails. However, they vary in scope and capability - some still rely on manual data entry, and not all support the same data standards - so it’s worth assessing whether a platform aligns with your specific compliance needs.
• Then there are businesses taking a more traditional approach, using structured data files such as CSVs, XLS spreadsheets, or JSON formats to exchange information. It’s a practical option for many supply chains, especially where full system integration isn’t yet possible, but it can also lead to version control headaches and formatting mismatches between partners.

Companies also rely heavily on physical or digital documents - such as harvesting licences, delivery notes, certificates, or customs papers - to convey EUDR-related information. This is often by necessity, as many evidence documents at the source level (for example, proof of legal harvesting or tax payments) are only available in hard copy, particularly outside the EU. While these documents are familiar and accessible, they are often unstructured, inconsistent, and difficult to verify at scale. 

However, they can be digitised and securely stored on platforms like Interu, enabling businesses to combine hard-copy evidence with digital records for more reliable, traceable due diligence. The same goes for QR codes, which are gaining traction as a way to link physical products to digital EUDR records. They’re fast and easy to scan, but they introduce new considerations around data accuracy, privacy, and long-term management.

The Challenge of Different Formats

Perhaps the biggest practical obstacle in all this is the lack of a common data format. Across sectors, we’re seeing a patchwork of templates - CSVs, PDFs, JSON files, EDI messages - all designed differently. This inconsistency creates friction and duplication, forcing suppliers and buyers to spend time reformatting data just to make it usable.

Until a single, harmonised standard emerges, the best strategy is flexibility: choose methods that work for your partners today, but design your systems to evolve as shared standards become more widely adopted.

Emerging Standards for EUDR Data

Encouragingly, a few sector initiatives are starting to define what “good” looks like when it comes to EUDR data. CEPI, for example, has developed a CSV-based standard for the paper industry, while GS1 is applying its established EDI standards to the broader supply chain. The publishing sector is experimenting with EUDR-X, which uses JSON. None of these standards yet cover the full scope of due diligence data, but together they point towards a more interoperable future.

At Interu, we’re supporting multiple emerging standards to ensure compatibility across industries. Our goal is to make it easier for companies to collect, organise, and securely share EUDR data, whatever format their partners use.

Timing and Coordination Matter

It’s also worth remembering that timing is just as important as accuracy. Suppliers must share EUDR data early enough for EU operators to complete their due diligence before goods are placed on the market. Only then can a valid Due Diligence Statement be submitted and communicated to customs before import clearance.

For businesses outside the EU, this means being proactive and getting the right data ready well before a shipment leaves the port. For EU-based buyers, it means clear communication upstream and structured processes that prevent last-minute delays.

Building for What Comes Next

EUDR compliance isn’t static. The regulation, the systems, and the standards around it will continue to evolve. The businesses that succeed will be those that treat compliance not as a one-off project, but as an ongoing process of improvement.

At Interu, we’re helping companies make that transition - from collecting and validating data, to securely sharing it and turning it into actionable insights. The aim is not just to tick the compliance box, but to build supply chains that are transparent, connected, and ready for whatever comes next. Get in touch today and let us help you map your supply chain and reach EUDR compliance. 

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