The European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) aims to ensure that certain products placed on the EU market do not contribute to deforestation or illegal land use. For operators like Daarnhouwer, the regulation introduces three core requirements:

1. Geolocation Data
   For every delivery, companies must collect geolocation coordinates of the land plots where the coffee or cocoa was grown. These must be accurate to the plot level, not just to the farm or region.
2. Traceability Documentation
   Companies must be able to trace each batch of coffee or cocoa back to its exact origin – from farm to exporter. This includes supply chain mapping, supplier information, and clear records showing product movement.
3. Due Diligence
   Companies must conduct and document risk assessments for both deforestation and legality. Where risks are identified, they are expected to take appropriate mitigation measures, such as requesting additional information or working with alternative sources.

To meet compliance, companies must submit a Due Diligence Statement through the EU’s central information system called TRACES. before placing goods on the EU market. This statement confirms that the product is deforestation-free, legally produced, and fully traceable.

The EUDR sets a high standard of assurance: operators must demonstrate that the risk of deforestation or illegality is negligible. While third-party certification schemes like Fairtrade or Rainforest Alliance can support this process, they are not sufficient on their own to prove compliance.

At Daarnhouwer, we recognize the transformative potential of the EUDR. While the requirements are ambitious, they align with our longstanding commitment to responsible sourcing and high-quality trade relationships.

Our approach is grounded in transparency, collaboration, and technical preparedness. We are currently mapping our coffee and cocoa supply chains and collecting accurate geolocation data down to the plot level. This work involves close coordination with producers, cooperatives, exporters, and technical partners in our origin countries.

We are also building the internal systems needed to manage traceability data, assess deforestation risk, and compile the documentation needed for the EU’s due diligence process. In parallel, we are investing in supplier engagement, offering guidance and support to ensure our partners, especially small-holder producers, understand what’s needed and have the tools to deliver.

Rather than seeing compliance as a checkbox exercise, we view this as an opportunity to deepen our relationships and demonstrate our long-term commitment to ethical and sustainable trade.

The EUDR is accelerating a shift toward smarter, more transparent supply chains – and we’re ready. At Daarnhouwer, we are investing in digital tools and systems that make traceability and compliance not only possible, but efficient and future ready.

To support our geolocation and risk assessment work, we are partnering with Satelligence, a leading provider of satellite-based monitoring solutions. Their platform allows us to verify farm locations, monitor deforestation, and assess land use changes in near real-time. This gives us a reliable, independent layer of insight, essential for meeting EUDR due diligence requirements.

From integrating mapping tools to improving data workflows, we see digital innovation as key to building robust, resilient, and verifiable supply chains in coffee and cocoa.

With decades of experience in origin and a strong presence in the European market, Daarnhouwer is well positioned to navigate this transition alongside our partners.

Whether you are a producer, cooperative, exporter, or buyer, we’re here to support you with practical information, direct dialogue, and shared solutions.

If you have any questions about the EUDR, or if you’d like to understand what it means for your product or region, feel free to get in touch with our team. You can reach out to our colleague, Laura Mack, Head of Sustainability, directly. She’ll be happy to answer your questions and support you on your journey to EUDR compliance.