At first glance, they’re simply symbols of summer: carefree days, sun-soaked adventures, and a welcome escape from the daily grind. But look closer, and you’ll find an unexpected connection between them all - one that takes us deep into the world of global trade and environmental regulation.
That connection is wood.
- Ice lolly sticks: Often made from birch or beech.
- Picnic essentials: Paper cups, plates, straws, and wooden serving boards.
- Luxury yachts: Decking, masts, and interior finishes crafted from specialist timbers.
Every one of these, if traded into, within, or from the EU, is now covered by the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), coming into effect at the end of this year.
The EUDR is designed to ensure that products containing commodities like wood-based products, coffee, and rubber are deforestation-free and fully traceable to their origin.
The Overlooked Scope of EUDR
The regulation’s scope is far broader than many companies expect. It’s not just about raw logs, sawn timber, or furniture. Everyday items, right down to a lolly stick, can fall under compliance checks.
Many businesses still underestimate the extent of what’s covered. Yet the risks are real: under the EUDR’s predecessor, the EU Timber Regulation, we’ve already seen sizeable penalties. Boat-builders, for instance, have faced fines exceeding €250,000 for non-compliance.
The Compliance Risks Companies Are Missing
As the EUDR deadline approaches, summer-season goods offer a timely reminder of the blind spots companies need to address.
- Food products: Paper-based packaging and wooden utensils.
- Leisure goods: Sporting, camping, or festival equipment can include regulated timber components.
- Luxury vessels: Yachts often involve multiple layers of supply chains and composite materials, each requiring traceability.
Each of these represents a potential compliance risk if the product’s supply chain cannot be verified to EUDR standards.
How Industry Leaders Are Preparing
Forward-thinking companies aren’t waiting until December to act. They’re:
- Mapping their supply chains in detail to understand where regulated materials enter their products.
- Engaging suppliers early to ensure traceability documentation is in place.
- Investing in digital solutions, like Interu, to manage due diligence efficiently and reduce administrative burdens.
By contrast, those who delay face a scramble to catch up - or risk fines, reputational damage, and restricted EU market access.
The Bigger Picture
EUDR isn’t simply a compliance exercise. It’s part of a broader shift toward responsible sourcing, environmental accountability, and consumer trust.
The question companies should be asking isn’t just “Does my product fall under EUDR?” but “How can I build a resilient, transparent supply chain that supports my business long-term?”
At Interu, we work with industry leaders to turn regulation into an opportunity - streamlining compliance, protecting market access, and strengthening relationships with customers who increasingly demand proof of sustainability.
If you’d like to understand how EUDR might affect your products - or to explore how Interu can support your compliance journey - get in touch with us today.
Or join our lunchtime webinar on the 3rd September titled “are my products in scope?” with our Head of Market Development, Anna Roberts.
