EU Deforestation Regulation: country risk classification adopted by the Commission

In May 2025, the European Commission (EC) adopted an Implementing Regulation classifying countries under the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) according to their risk of deforestation, associated with the production of seven commodities, into three risk categories: low, standard, or high risk. The commodities covered by the EUDR are cattle (which includes dairy!), cocoa, coffee, palm oil, rubber, soya and wood. This classification impacts the level of due diligence required of businesses sourcing these commodities. Specifically, businesses sourcing entirely from low-risk countries can benefit from simplified due diligence obligations, while businesses sourcing from standard or high-risk countries face more stringent requirements.

Some 140 countries have been classified as low risk, including all EU Member States, the UK, the U.S., Canada, China, Japan, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. Around 50 countries are deemed standard risk and high-risk countries include Belarus, Myanmar, North Korea, and Russia. View the classification here.

The EC benchmarking system provides a framework for businesses to determine the level of due diligence required for their supply chains. It also helps competent authorities to monitor and enforce compliance. The benchmarking system is based on data from the Global Forest Resources Assessment carried out by the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO). Country level data can be explored on the FAO website.

Further information on the EUDR can be found on the Commission website.