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The journey to EUDR compliance is rarely straightforward. Each organisation begins from a different place - with different systems, data maturity, and levels of readiness. Having supported numerous teams through onboarding to Interu’s traceability platform, we’ve seen clear patterns in what can either block or accelerate progress.
While there’s no one-size-fits-all approach, success often depends on how quickly alignment can be achieved across internal teams, external partners, and leadership.
Below are the most common factors that shape the onboarding experience:
1. Regulation Knowledge
What blocks progress:
Understanding of the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) varies widely - not just between organisations, but across departments. Differing interpretations of the requirements can cause delays, rework, and uncertainty.
What accelerates progress:
Early alignment sessions involving all relevant teams, supported by expert input, create shared understanding and confidence. When everyone agrees on what “compliance” looks like from day one, the rest of the process runs much more smoothly.
2. Sponsorship & Strategy
What blocks progress:
Without visible leadership support, a clear strategy, and regular communication, onboarding risks losing focus and momentum.
What accelerates progress:
Strong executive sponsorship, a defined framework, and consistent updates provide both direction and accountability. When leadership champions the process, it signals that compliance is not just a regulatory checkbox — it’s a strategic priority.
3. Internal Alignment
What blocks progress:
Siloed teams or unclear ownership can make it difficult to coordinate across departments, particularly between compliance, procurement, sustainability, and IT.
What accelerates progress:
Cross-functional governance with clear responsibilities ensures coordination. Setting up a steering group early helps maintain alignment and pace throughout implementation.
4. Data Integration
What blocks progress:
Limited traceability within existing systems, fragmented data, and inconsistent formats are among the biggest technical hurdles.
What accelerates progress:
Standardising data formats and aligning internal systems from the outset helps prevent rework later. Enhancing internal workflows also builds a stronger foundation for interoperability with Interu’s platform.
5. Stakeholder Engagement
What blocks progress:
Cultural differences, supplier responsiveness, and competing priorities can create friction, especially when suppliers sit across multiple geographies or stages of the supply chain.
What accelerates progress:
Tailored communication, supplier education, and localised campaigns foster trust and understanding. The more informed and engaged your partners are, the faster data sharing and verification can begin.
6. External Factors
What blocks progress:
Dependence on third-party data providers or service partners can create bottlenecks, especially if roles and timelines aren’t defined early.
What accelerates progress:
Planning partner involvement from the start reduces uncertainty. When third parties are treated as part of the project rather than external observers, timelines become clearer and collaboration more effective.
Final Thoughts
Reaching EUDR compliance is as much a coordination challenge as it is a technical one. The organisations that move fastest are those that treat onboarding as a cross-functional initiative, backed by leadership and supported by clear data strategies.
At Interu, our Customer Success team is here to help organisations overcome these hurdles - from early onboarding through to full operational compliance.
Ready to Accelerate Your Onboarding Journey?
If you’re preparing your organisation for EUDR compliance, now is the time to start.
Request a Demo to learn how Interu can help you streamline onboarding, strengthen collaboration, and achieve compliance faster.
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