EU Regulation EUDR: how Ukraine is preparing for new export conditions

American exporters of wood products are impressed by Ukraine’s level of preparedness to meet the requirements of the EU Regulation EUDR. This was reported by Head of the State Forest Agency, Viktor Smal, following an online meeting with Andrew, Vice President of the Advanced Wood Biomass Alliance (AWBA), with the participation of Ukraine’s Representative to the European Union, Vsevolod Chentsov.

«AWBA represents the interests of U.S. wood pellet producers, whose annual exports to the European Union amount to 2.8 million tons. Given that starting next year exports to the EU will take place in accordance with EUDR requirements, American exporters are faced with the question of how to prove their products comply with this regulation. In particular, how to confirm the geolocation of timber harvesting sites. It was with this question that Alliance representatives approached the State Forest Agency of Ukraine», - explained Viktor Smal.

He recalled that Ukraine’s forestry sector had been ready to comply with EUDR requirements since January of this year, but the EU postponed its implementation for another year. Ukraine is now using this time to improve digital services that will help businesses export products to the EU.

«I explained to the AWBA Vice President how, thanks to large-scale reforms and digitalization, we have created a comprehensive timber tracking system that allows us to trace the movement of every batch of products from the moment of harvesting to export. Currently, we have around 400 active users of this system—representatives of business, the agricultural sector, and forestry – and we are already providing exporters with all the necessary information for working with the European Union», - the Head of the State Forest Agency noted.

In particular, during the consultations they discussed in detail the operation of digital services that help verify the legality of timber harvesting: the e-logging permit, the electronic certificate of origin, the electronic waybill with photo documentation, as well as the functionality of the Exporter’s Electronic Cabinet. With the help of these digital services, Ukrainian businesses receive a full set of tools for operating in European markets.

«Ukraine already has one of the most advanced digital systems in Europe for meeting EUDR requirements. This not only strengthens the trust of international partners but also opens up new opportunities for Ukrainian exports. And we are ready to share our experience», - Viktor Smal concluded.