For many small and mid-sized fashion brands, the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) sounds like something meant for large corporations. But in reality, the pressure to comply is already moving down the chain, reaching brands of every size that sell, source, or manufacture within the EU.
If you’re a Small-Medium Enterprise (SME) in fashion, with a lean team and limited systems, don’t panic. This article outlines how to get ready for EUDR without burning your budget or overwhelming your operations.
Understand What’s Required (and What’s Not)
The EUDR focuses on seven key commodities linked to deforestation, including cattle (leather), soy, wood, cocoa, palm oil, coffee, and rubber. In fashion, leather and viscose are the most relevant materials. If your products use them, here’s what your supply chain must prove:
- That the material is deforestation-free (post-2020 land clearance not allowed)
- That it was legally sourced in its country of origin
- That you can trace it to a precise location (geo-coordinates or equivalent)
Not all SMEs need to file reports directly—but you’ll be expected to provide your data to buyers or platforms that do.
Focus on the Commodities That Matter
Start by identifying which of your products contain EUDR-relevant materials:
- Leather uppers, linings, or accessories
- Wood-based fabrics like viscose or modal
- Rubber components in shoes or outerwear
Once identified, prioritize these products for traceability work—especially if they’re top sellers or featured in upcoming collections.
Ask Suppliers the Right Questions
You don’t need to reinvent your supply chain. Start by asking your raw material suppliers:
- Where was this material sourced?
- Is it from a region at risk of deforestation?
- Can they provide certification or declaration of origin?
- Are geo-coordinates or mapped data available?
Communicate Your Progress
Retailers and buyers don’t expect perfection; they expect effort and honesty. Proactively share your:
- Supplier engagement steps
- Documentation templates you’ve implemented
- Material-level traceability efforts
This positions you as a reliable, proactive partner instead of a last-minute risk.
Look for Networked Solutions
If your leather supplier or manufacturing partner is already working with a traceability platform, join them. Platforms like TrusTrace can help SMEs plug into brand or tier-level data systems and reduce duplication.
You don’t have to build your own data infrastructure from scratch.
Final Thoughts
Preparing for EUDR doesn’t require a compliance team or massive IT investment. With the right questions, tools, and mindset, even the smallest brands can become traceability-ready.
Start with what you know. Ask the next tier in your supply chain for what they know. Document what you get. And over time, build a system that grows with you. Traceability isn’t just about risk, it’s about resilience, brand value, and the opportunity to lead in a changing industry.
