The EUDR User Guide, which is part of the EUDR Information System, provides detailed information on how to prepare and manage Due Diligence Statements (DDS) in accordance with the requirements of the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR).
The EUDR was created to better control products that contribute to deforestation, such as timber, soy, coffee and cocoa. Economic Operators (EOs) within and outside the European Union must demonstrate that their products do not originate from deforested areas after 31-12-2020. This is done by preparing DDS, which record detailed information on the supply chain and geolocation.
Registration and access
To use the EUDR platform, a user must create an EU Login account. This account is an access point to various services of the European Commission. Once the account is created, users can apply for a role as an operator or competent authority.
Economic operators can register as an importer, exporter, producer, trader or authorised representative of the above roles. Competent authorities and customs offices fall under the competent authority.
Setting up a DDS
The most important part of the manual is the step-by-step process of setting up a DDS. This includes the following steps:
Reference number and verification number: Each DDS is given a unique reference number. The verification number is sent confidentially to operators and can be used for downstream checks.
Operator details: The name and address of the operator are filled in automatically if the operator is already registered. If there are multiple operators, the user can make a selection.
Activity and place of activity: Here the operator must indicate whether the product is imported, exported, or produced within the EU. The country of import or export must also be indicated.
Product information and geolocation: For each product, information must be provided on net mass, volumes, and if applicable, the scientific name of the wood species. The operator must also indicate the production location, including geolocation data in the form of a GeoJson file or manually via the GeoEditor map tool.
Validation and processing
After filling in all the data, the DDS is submitted for verification. Competent authorities will assess the document. Once approved, the DDS will be given the status “Available”. From that moment on, the document can be used for customs formalities.
Statuses and actions
During the process, the DDS can take on different statuses:
- New: The DDS has been created, but not yet saved.
- Draft: The DDS has been saved, but not yet submitted.
- Submitted: The DDS has been submitted for review.
- Available: The DDS has been approved and ready for use.
- Rejected: The DDS has been rejected by the competent authority.
- Cancelled: The DDS has been withdrawn by the operator.
- Archived: The DDS is automatically archived after six months, but remains available for reference.
Advanced functions
Operators can use advanced search options to retrieve DDS based on specific criteria, such as product, status or activity. In addition, there is a “Copy as New” function that allows an existing DDS to be easily duplicated for new transactions.
Download the document “EUDR Information System User Guide”.