EUDR Update: What’s Changed for the Printing & Publishing Industry?

The EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) has recently been revised and updated. The due diligence requirements are now simpler, the deadlines have been extended, and for many printed products, the obligations are far less than originally required. Below, we break down the changes explaining what they mean for your print projects moving forward.

New EUDR Timelines:

The application dates for EUDR have officially been pushed back:

  • Large and medium operators: compliance now starts on 30 December 2026

  • Small operators: compliance starts on 30 June 2027

This extra time allows businesses to properly prepare their supply chains, work with suppliers, and put sensible processes in place, without rushing or disrupting production schedules.

Simplified Procedures:

One of the most positive developments is the simplification of due diligence requirements.

Here’s what’s changed:

  • Small operators can now submit a one-off Due Diligence Statement (DDS) instead of one per shipment.

  • The obligation to submit a DDS sits only with the first operator placing a product on the EU market or exporting it from the EU.

  • Downstream operators and traders simply need to collect and pass on the DDS reference number.

In short: fewer duplicate checks, clearer responsibilities, and less paperwork across the supply chain.

A further review is planned for April 2026, which could bring additional simplifications or clearer guidance.

EUDR Scope Update: What’s in and what’s out?

This is where the update has the biggest impact on the printing and publishing sector.

Out of Scope: Chapter 49 Printed Products

Products classified under Chapter 49 are now out of scope, including:

  • Printed books

  • Brochures

  • Magazines and periodicals

  • Calendars

  • Postcard books

  • Greetings card sets

  • Packaging that supports, protects, or carries another product

These are items that are defined by the information, expression or cultural value that they convey and the EU considers them to have minimal deforestation risk. For publishers and print buyers, this is a major change and removes a significant compliance concern for their finished printed goods.

Still In Scope: Chapter 48 Products

Some printed items are still covered under Chapter 48, such as:

  • Diaries
  • Notebooks
  • Memo pads
  • Wrapping paper
  • Standalone packaging (like a gift box or bag sold on its own)

These are items that are defined as being paper products and the EU places them firmly in the category of ‘wood-derived products’ and in scope of EUDR.

The good news? If these products are made from 100% recycled materials, they’re exempt — so choosing recycled paper is an even smarter move now.

Paper and Pulp:  

Even though finished printed products might be out of scope, paper and pulp (Chapters 47 and 48)  are still very much in scope:

  • EU mills producing pulp or paper for sale in EU or exporting from EU need to comply.
  • Paper imported into Europe from ROW in sheets or rolls must comply.
  • Paper merchants and printers purchasing paper in the EU must obtain and retain compliance information.

For now Chapter 49 products printed outside the EU – using non-EU paper and imported as finished goods – face no direct EUDR obligations. It will be interesting to see if this significant and unintended loophole remains intact.

How Imago Group Can help:

At Imago Group, we know EUDR can feel complicated, but it does not have to be stressful. We are here to guide you and make sure you stay on top of compliance while keeping your projects running smoothly.

Do you have an upcoming project?

Contact us today to discover how Imago Group can assist you in meeting your product safety requirements.

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