EUDR Compliance Officer

This intensive EUDR Compliance Officer Course provides a comprehensive examination of the legal obligations under the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) and the practical operational measures required to achieve full compliance. The program equips participants to master the complete due diligence process—from establishing robust internal governance and formulating an organization-wide No-Deforestation Policy, to collecting and validating geolocation data, performing structured risk assessments, and submitting mandatory Due Diligence Statements (DDS) through the EU Information System. The curriculum is built around the Regulation’s three core pillars of due diligence, reinforced with practical, step-by-step methodologies aligned with leading industry compliance guidance.

Relevant Standards and References

This training is grounded in the following legal and guidance frameworks:

1. Primary Legal Standard: Regulation (EU) 2023/1115 governing the placing and export of deforestation-linked commodities and products within and from the EU.
2. Implementation Guidance: Practical best-practice frameworks sourced from documents such as the WWF Step-by-Step Guide to Conformance with the EUDR.
3. Associated Legal Requirements: Applicable national legislation in the country of production (land rights, labor laws, environmental and human rights requirements) that form part of the Regulation’s legality criteria.

Contents and Methodologies

The course uses a process-driven instructional approach, combining detailed regulatory interpretation with hands-on exercises, real-world case studies, and system walkthroughs.

Module 1: Regulatory Landscape and Applicability

• Detailed examination of Regulation (EU) 2023/1115 and its evolution from the former EUTR.
• Key definitions: deforestation, forest degradation, operator vs. trader, Annex I HS/CN product scope.
• Compliance deadlines, transition periods, and country risk benchmarking.

Module 2: Organizational Readiness and Policy Development

• Establishing internal governance and leadership responsibilities for EUDR oversight.
• Designing an EUDR-aligned No-Deforestation/No-Degradation Policy incorporating the 31 December 2020 cut-off date.
• Setting responsible sourcing expectations, including alignment with Indigenous Peoples’ rights.

Module 3: Pillar 1 – Information Gathering & Traceability

• Techniques for end-to-end supply chain mapping.
• Mandatory data requirements: product specifics, quantities, supplier details, country of production.
• Practical workshop on geolocation capture, verification, and formatting (including GeoJSON polygon data and satellite-based validation).

Module 4: Pillar 2 – Risk Assessment Procedures

• Step-by-step methodology for executing Article 10 risk assessments.
• Evaluating risks: country classification, commodity complexity, supplier performance, and substantiated concerns.
• Determining negligible vs. non-negligible risk thresholds.

Module 5: Pillar 3 – Risk Mitigation & DDS Submission

• Designing effective mitigation actions (independent audits, supplier changes, enhanced data gathering).
• Hands-on training in TRACES NT: creating, signing, and submitting DDS entries.
• Understanding the legal obligations tied to the DDS reference number.

Module 6: Monitoring, Auditing & Continuous Improvement

• Establishing monitoring and supplier oversight systems.
• Record-keeping requirements (minimum five years).
• Preparing for official EU checks, audits, and corrective actions.
• Procedures for updating DDS submissions and revising compliance frameworks over time.

Course Methodologies

• Interactive Lectures: Detailed interpretations of Regulation (EU) 2023/1115 and its practical implications.
• Case Studies: Scenario analysis (e.g., coffee from standard-risk regions, palm oil from high-risk areas).
• Practical Workshops: Traceability exercises, geolocation data structuring, risk scoring simulations.
• System Simulations: Guided walkthroughs of DDS creation and submission.
• Group Discussions: Peer learning on supplier engagement, legal challenges, and real-world implementation issues.

Upon completion, participants will be able to:

• Interpret the Full Legal Scope of the EUDR, including the regulatory definition of “deforestation-free” and the December 31, 2020 cut-off date established under Regulation (EU) 2023/1115.
• Develop and Implement a fully compliant Due Diligence System (DDS) tailored to organizational operations.
• Map supply chains to the exact plot of origin, managing the collection and verification of mandatory geolocation data (e.g., polygons in GeoJSON format).
• Conduct Structured Risk Assessments (Article 10) by combining country risk benchmarking with commodity- and supplier-specific risk factors.
• Plan and Execute Risk Mitigation Measures (Article 11) that reduce all identified non-negligible risks to a negligible level.
• Competently use the EU’s Information System (TRACES NT) to prepare, submit, and manage all Due Diligence Statements (DDS).
• Establish Internal Controls and monitoring systems to ensure continuous compliance, audit readiness, and long-term oversight.

Graduates will be fully equipped to serve as the primary EUDR Compliance Officer, responsible for steering their organization toward continuous conformance with the Regulation. They will be prepared to:

1. Lead the organization’s transition to legally compliant, deforestation-free sourcing practices.
2. Ensure compliance across all covered commodities—cattle, cocoa, coffee, palm oil, rubber, soya, and wood.
3. Develop, maintain, and present auditable records demonstrating full adherence to all applicable regulatory articles, minimizing exposure to penalties, seizures, or market access restrictions.

The programme draws on recognised international standards, professional guidance and current good practice relevant to EUDR Compliance Officer.

This course is designed for professionals responsible for planning, implementing, and verifying EUDR compliance activities, including:

• Compliance Managers and Officers
• Sustainability, ESG, and Responsible Sourcing Leaders
• Supply Chain and Procurement Managers (Operators & non-SME Traders)
• Internal and External Auditors
• Legal, Regulatory, and Corporate Affairs Specialists

• Stronger practical capability and professional confidence
• A structured approach that can be transferred to the workplace
• Assessment and a verifiable Cognicert certificate where the course requirements are met

The programme covers essential concepts, requirements, implementation considerations, evidence-based evaluation, common challenges and practical improvement planning.

Learning combines tutor explanation, guided discussion, examples, exercises and scenario-based application. Delivery may be live online, self-study or arranged for an organisation.