The European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) is a critical piece of legislation that directly impacts book manufacturers and publishers. This FAQ is designed to provide answers to common questions about EUDR compliance for those in the book industry. Understanding the requirements and deadlines is essential to ensure your shipments are not denied access.
DOES EUDR APPLY TO ME?
The European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) applies to you if you are an “operator” or “trader” who places certain commodities [like wood] (or products made from them) [like books!] on the EU market or exports them from the EU.
North American book publishers who import books into Europe (to be sold there) must comply with the regulation to get books into the EU. Failure to provide EUDR information/data means shipments will be denied access to the EU market.
WHAT IS THE ENFORCEMENT DEADLINE?
The enforcement deadline depends on the size of your company
- Large enterprises: Must be compliant by December 30, 2025.
- Small and micro-enterprises (SMEs): Have until June 30, 2026 to comply.
SMEs are defined for the EUDR as companies that fulfil two of the following three criteria:
- Less than 50 employees
- Annual turnover below €10 million
- Balance sheet total below €10 million
WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR SUBMITTING EUDR INFORMATION/DATA WHEN IMPORTING BOOKS INTO EUROPE (TO BE SOLD THERE)?
The “operator” or “trader” is responsible for submitting EUDR information/data when importing books into Europe. This means that the Book Publisher (the “Operator”) must submit EUDR information/data.
HOW DO YOU SUBMIT EUDR INFORMATION/DATA?
To submit EUDR information/data, you must complete a Due Diligence Statement (DDS) through the EUDR Information System, accessible via the TRACES-NT portal. This process requires collecting detailed data, including product type, country of origin, and geolocation of production plots, then assessing and mitigating deforestation risks. After submitting the DDS, you will receive a reference number that must be linked to your shipments and provided to your downstream partners as proof of compliance.
WHERE CAN PUBLISHERS GET THIS EUDR INFORMATION?
Book manufacturers (like Friesens) have been connecting with paper mills to determine if and when the paper mills will be able to provide the required EUDR information/data. In most cases, the paper mills have indicated that they will be able to do so by the implementation date (December 30, 2025).
While the exact details are not yet finalized, the process will likely be as follows:
- The paper mills will send EUDR information/data to Friesens that pertains to every shipment of paper delivered to Friesens.
- Friesens will collect and hold that EUDR information/data.
- When a book publisher requires EUDR information/data for a title to enable them to submit a DDS to TRACES-NT, the book publisher will request the relevant EUDR information/data from Friesens (for that title).
- Friesens will combine the EUDR information/data for the various components of the book/title (text paper, cover paper, etc.).
- Friesens will send the total EUDR information/data “package” to the publisher.
If you know already or anticipate that you will be importing books into Europe to be sold, please let us know! The sooner we are informed, the sooner we can connect with you and provide clarification for you and Friesens.
