Many companies are completely unaware that they are affected. Here are therefore some real-life examples from trade-e-bility’s client experience: certain seasonal items, wooden furniture, certain spare parts or certain paper products could be affected by the EUDR. Violations may result in sanctions, including fines and custodial sentences. The draft bill to reform the law on deforestation-free products and to implement certain provisions of Directive (EU) 2024/1203 on the protection of the environment through criminal law provides that the deliberate placing on the market of non-compliant products may be punishable by up to five years’ imprisonment or a fine. Reckless conduct alone carries a prison sentence of up to three years. For deliberate infringements causing particularly serious environmental damage, the penalty range is from one to ten years’ imprisonment. In addition, fines of up to 100,000 euros may be imposed. For larger companies, fines may, under certain conditions, amount to up to four per cent of their annual EU-wide turnover. Furthermore, authorities are to be permitted to confiscate seized products and impose a marketing ban. Authorities are obliged to meet minimum enforcement targets and are authorised to enter business premises and inspect data storage media. In your own interest, please read the full article.
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