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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.

In 2025, the European Union is rolling out one of its most impactful sustainability regulations, the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). While designed to curb global deforestation, its implications will touch nearly every business that deals in commodities like leather, cotton, rubber, and wood-based materials. For European fashion Small-Medium Enterprises  (SMEs), this regulation introduces new expectations that are too important to ignore. This guide breaks down what the EUDR means for small and medium-sized fashion enterprises in Europe, and how early action can ensure compliance and unlock commercial opportunities.

The European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), coming into force starting 30 December 2025, introduces sweeping obligations for businesses that place commodities linked to deforestation on the EU market. While primarily targeting goods like soy, palm oil, and beef, the regulation also affects the fashion and textiles sector- particularly European suppliers dealing in leather, viscose, and rubber. This article unpacks the implications of EUDR for European textile suppliers and outlines a roadmap for traceability, compliance, and long-term advantage.

Since it came into effect in June 2023, the EU Regulation on Deforestation-Free Products (EUDR) has put fashion companies that use leather, rubber and wood on notice to ensure their supply chains are free from illegal deforestation. Now, the industry is racing to prepare for compliance, working towards a December 2024 deadline when the law’s main obligations will start to apply.

EU Deforestation-free Regulation bans the production of goods and commodities from deforested lands. It requires operators to know the plot-of-land origin.