European Commission released EU Deforestation country classifications

On 22 May 2025, the European Commission released its list of country risk classifications under the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). The classifications were published through an Implementing Act on the Commission’s Green forum platform. Implementing acts are non-legislative acts, meaning that they do not establish new laws but they do provide legally binding rules to implement existing laws. 

The Regulation prohibits products from being placed on the EU market or exported from the EU unless they are deforestation-free and are covered by a due diligence statement. It targets cattle, cocoa, coffee, palm oil, soya, wood, rubber, and products that contain, have been fed with, or have been made using these commodities including, for example, charcoal, paper products, leather, chocolate, furniture, and palm oil derivatives. The Regulation will go into effect for large companies on 30 December 2025 and for small and micro companies on 30 June 2026.

As required under the EUDR, countries are classified as low, standard, or high risk, and this determines the level of due diligence that companies are required to carry out on imports in-scope of the regulation. It also affects the level of scrutiny that imports will receive from authorities.   

High-risk – Only four countries are classified as high risk: Belarus, North Korea, Myanmar and Russia. Operators sourcing from high-risk countries must conduct full due diligence and submit a due diligence statement. At least 9% of EUDR goods from high-risk countries will be subject to checks by competent authorities.

Standard-risk – 50 countries are classified as standard risk, including key commodity producers such as Brazil, Indonesia, and Malaysia. Operators sourcing from standard-risk countries are also subject to full due diligence obligations, like those sourcing from high-risk countries, and must also submit a due diligence statement. However, only 3% of EUDR goods from standard-risk countries will be subject to checks by competent authorities.

Low-risk – 140 countries, including all 27 EU states, the US, and China, are classified as low risk. Sourcing from low-risk countries allows for simplified due diligence. They are required to collect basic information and verify that there is no indication of sourcing from standard- or high-risk countries. If no such risk is identified, a detailed risk assessment is not required. However, operators must still submit a due diligence statement confirming compliance. Only 1% of EUDR goods from low-risk countries will be subject to checks by authorities.

The table below presents the EUDR risk classifications for the top five producing countries for each of the commodities covered under the regulation. Country risk classification is subject to change over time due to the dynamic benchmarking process. The first review is scheduled for 2026.

EUDR Risk Classification for Top Producing Countries Across Key Commodities