WASHINGTON, D.C. – The US forest sector welcomes the European Union’s designation of the United States as a low-risk country under the EU Regulation on Deforestation-free Products (EUDR).
The United States has abundant forest resources, a mature and complex forest products supply chain, and the highest sustainability standards in the world. Unlike other regions of the world dealing with deforestation, illegal logging, and unsustainable forest management practices, modern American forestry has a proven track record of supporting healthy, resilient forests while providing the renewable products the global marketplace needs. The EU’s low-risk designation reflects these realities and supports the continued trade of sustainably produced forest products between the US and the EU.
However, the EUDR provides only limited relief for countries designated as low-risk, even though they are already meeting the objectives of the law. The current geolocation reporting requirements, for example, demand detailed polygon-level data from even the smallest forest owners and operators. This level of granularity is impractical for most – especially small-scale producers – and creates an unnecessary cost burden on forest owners who are already investing in sustainable management.
The logical next step should be to streamline compliance requirements for forest products from low-risk countries like the United States. Regulatory relief for low-risk countries will support investment in long-term sustainable forest management, incentivize on-the-ground action to maintain or move toward “low risk” designations, and help competent authorities focus on areas that pose real risk for deforestation. Targeted, practical changes to streamline compliance requirements for low-risk countries will ensure that the law can work as intended.
The US forest and forest products sector remains committed to sustainable management and welcomes continued collaboration with EU institutions to ensure that the EUDR is effective, enforceable, and fair.
American Forest Foundation
American Forest & Paper Association
American Hardwood Export Council
American Wood Council
Forest Landowners Association
Forest Resources Association
Hardwood Federation
National Alliance of Forest Owners
U.S. Industrial Pellet Association