How European Suppliers Can Prove Deforestation-Free Claims

The European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) is placing new emphasis on the role of suppliers in verifying that their raw materials are not contributing to deforestation. For European fashion suppliers working with materials like leather or viscose, the ability to prove deforestation-free sourcing is now a requirement for doing business with EU-based and international brands.

This article outlines the practical steps European suppliers can take to validate their deforestation-free claims and become partners of choice in a compliance-driven fashion industry.

Why This Matters Now

EUDR went into effect to ensure that products sold in the EU are not linked to deforestation or illegal land use. Even for materials not harvested in high-risk regions, brands must still perform due diligence and document their origin. Suppliers that cannot provide this evidence may be dropped from supply chains.

What Brands Expect from Their European Suppliers

To comply with EUDR and brand sourcing policies, suppliers must:

• Disclose the exact origin of materials down to the farm or facility level
• Prove that materials were sourced legally and post-2020 deforestation-free
• Maintain chain-of-custody data from source to finished product

Key Materials Under the Microscope

Materials of particular concern include:

• Leather: due to its link to cattle ranching in deforestation zones
• Viscose and other cellulose fibers: derived from wood pulp with potential deforestation risks

Suppliers using these inputs must be able to trace them back to origin and show they meet EUDR criteria.

How to Prove Your Claims

European suppliers can take several concrete steps to validate deforestation-free sourcing:

• Request geo-coordinates from raw material suppliers
• Work with certified sources that meet Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) or similar standards
• Use satellite verification tools and geospatial data where applicable
• Maintain detailed documentation including supplier declarations, transport logs, and processing certifications.

Using Digital Tools for Efficiency

Manual tracking is no longer sufficient. Digital traceability platforms such as TrusTrace help suppliers:

• Automate collection and validation of origin data
• Create audit-ready reports with all required documentation
• Provide real-time visibility to brand partners

This not only ensures compliance but also streamlines operations and improves supplier responsiveness.

Collaboration with Upstream Partners

Many deforestation risks originate in Tier 3 or Tier 4 suppliers. To ensure full traceability:

• Build long-term partnerships with raw material producers
• Standardize sustainability declarations across the network
• Educate partners on EUDR requirements and provide templates or digital forms.

Final Thoughts

Proving deforestation-free sourcing is no longer optional for European suppliers; it is now a license to operate. Brands want evidence, not assurances, and regulations demand full transparency. Suppliers who can meet this moment with confidence and clear data will earn more business, reduce compliance risk, and stand out as leaders in sustainable fashion sourcing.