PEFC EUDR DDS certification process

Getting started with the PEFC EUDR DDS module is straightforward. Follow these steps to begin:

Step 1: Define the scope  
Review your current PEFC certification and identify the product groups to which the EUDR DDS module will apply.

Step 2: Supply chain engagement
Engage with your suppliers to secure all necessary information, such as quantities, product descriptions, country of production, geolocation of production plots, production dates and contact details, as required by the PEFC EUDR DDS standard.

Step 3: Due diligence and risk assessment
Implement the information collection process and conduct a risk assessment to verify that the products do not originate from areas affected by deforestation or non-compliance production practices. This step determines whether the risk is “no risk or negligible risk” or “significant risk” according to the indicators specified in the standard.

Step 4: Risk mitigation and audit preparation
For any product identified with significant risk, implement appropriate risk mitigation measures, such as obtaining additional documentation, carrying out internal or third-party audits, or suspending market placement until concerns are resolved.

Step 5: Audit and certification
We will conduct a comprehensive audit to verify that your due diligence system meets all the PEFC EUDR DDS requirements. This audit will confirm that the necessary information has been collected, risk assessments performed and any risk mitigation measures applied. Once compliance is verified, your PEFC certificate is updated to include the EUDR DDS module.

Step 6: Ongoing monitoring 
We will continue to monitor your compliance through annual audits and periodic reassessments. This ongoing oversight ensures that your due diligence system remains current, and any new developments or changes in the supply chain are promptly addressed.

Complaints and resolutions

If a complaint is raised about our certification services or one of our clients, we handle this in accordance with our Dispute Resolution Policy. We may call on our Impartiality Committee if Preferred by Nature’s impartiality is under question.

When adopting the PEFC EUDR DDS service, organisations have flexibility in how they integrate the module into their certification process. You may choose:

• Standalone audit: Conduct a dedicated audit solely for the EUDR DDS module scope expansion.
• Annual audit integration: Include the EUDR DDS assessment as part of your regular PEFC audit to streamline reporting and manage costs efficiently.

Technology partner support

PEFC has partnered with several technology providers offering Earth Observation (EO) and traceability solutions to support certificate holders in meeting EUDR requirements. Depending on your needs, you may choose to work with:

LiveEO provides Earth Observation technologies for asset monitoring, offering insights to enhance safety, efficiency and sustainability.
    

osapiens delivers Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) solutions that support corporate sustainability, ESG compliance, and process automation.
    

Deeplai's DeepTech solution, Timber ID, helps verify timber provenance for EUDR compliance.
    

Timbeter offers a digital timber measurement tool using AI and machine learning for log detection and supply chain management.
    

Supply Logica provides mapping, risk analysis and mitigation tools to support EUDR compliance and sustainable supply chains.
    

Ekwato help companies meet regulatory and internal requirements for wood product sourcing through documentation management and risk analysis.
    

Orbify's Compliance Orb tool uses satellite-powered analytics to assess deforestation risks and support EUDR compliance.
    

Airbus Defence and Space operates high-resolution satellites and co-developed Starling, a geospatial tool that helps companies meet no-deforestation commitments and regulatory requirements. 
    

Product DNA provides SaaS and consulting services for supply chain traceability, with a strong focus on the wood industry.
    

Marvin’s supply chain resilience suite supports compliance, chain of custody transparency, and sustainability certification for forestry-based organisations.
    

CommonShare connects stakeholders through a platform that enhances traceability, transparency and collaboration in sustainable supply chains.

These partnerships offer flexibility in how you integrate technology into your due diligence processes to complement the PEFC EUDR DDS service. Visit PEFC’s EUDR website for more information.

PEFC EUDR claims

Upon successful implementation of the EUDR DDS, organisations are authorised to use the “PEFC-EUDR” claim* on relevant products. This claim attests that the product has undergone the due diligence process and has been assessed as having no risk or negligible risk in line with the EUDR requirements.

* The claim is used in conjunction with the standard PEFC Chain of Custody claims and applies to 100% of the product in scope regardless of the percentage of PEFC-certified material.

PEFC EUDR DDS Standard  

The service is based on the PEFC ST 2002-1:2024 Standard, which details the requirements for implementing a due diligence system to demonstrate compliance with the EU Deforestation Regulation. Key aspects include:

• Information collection requirements for product inputs (including detailed product descriptions, quantities, geolocation and production dates)
• A defined risk assessment process to categorise products as having no or negligible or significant risk.
• Mandatory risk mitigation procedures and corrective measures for products with significant risk.
• The submission of a due diligence statement and retention of documentation for at least five years.
• Strict rules on product placement on the EU market – products not meeting the requirements must not be placed or exported.

Applicability of the module

The PEFC EUDR DDS service is available to any organisations holding or applying for a PEFC Chain of Custody certificate. It applies to all relevant forest and tree-based products, regardless of whether the organisation is based inside or outside the EU (provided that products are eventually placed on the EU market).

Relevance to different types of companies

The PEFC EUDR DDS standard applies to operators and traders seeking to align with the EUDR. It provides due diligence procedures designed to support companies of different sizes and roles within the supply chain and help them meet regulatory requirements in line with PEFC standards.

Access the related document:

• PEFC EUDR DDS Standard (PEFC ST 2002-1:2024)