Uruguay makes first shipment of deforestation-free wood chips to Europe

This is the first shipment that Europe has received that complies with the guarantees of the new European deforestation-free regulation (EUDR). This measure seeks to ensure that goods and raw materials imported from Europe have not been produced on deforested land.

The EU deforestation-free regulation (EUDR) applies to seven sectors: timber, palm oil, beef, coffee, cocoa, rubber and soya, as well as derived products.

In this context, a pilot experience has been carried out in collaboration with Maderas del Uruguay (MADELUR). "These efforts have led to the preparation of a shipment of chips to Portugal that meets the criteria of the new regulation," says the Uruguayan Ministry of Livestock, Agriculture and Fisheries (MGAP).

The implementation of the European regulation requires full traceability of products, from initial production to final shipment. Traceability refers to the ability to follow the route and location of a product throughout the entire production, distribution and sales chain.

To ensure compliance with these requirements, a process of georeferencing and geolocation of the timber's places of origin has been carried out, accompanied by an assessment to confirm the absence of deforestation from 2020 to the current date.

"Once confirmed, the corresponding conformity has been granted. In addition, a review of the information has been carried out by external consultants to ensure compliance with the regulations, which has culminated in the issuance of the certificate by the MGAP, in compliance with the new EU regulations," details the MGAP.

Since 2023, AL-INVEST Verde has been cooperating with Uruguay to advise the Directorate General of Forestry on the implementation of a public system to ensure the sustainable management of the country's native forests. This involves compliance with the European Union's European Union Deforestation and Forest Degradation Free Regulation.

About AL-INVEST Verde

AL-INVEST Verde is a European Union (EU) programme whose main objective is to promote sustainable growth and job creation in Latin America by supporting the transition towards a low-carbon, resource-efficient and more circular economy. Through Component 2, led by FIIAPP in consortium with IILA, the programme provides assistance for strengthening public policy and multi-stakeholder dialogues on sustainable agricultural and value chains, environmental and labour standards, as well as sustainable trade and economic policy and regulatory frameworks.