India, Aug. 19 -- The German Rubber Industry Association (wdk) has reaffirmed its readiness to comply with the EU Deforestation-Free Supply Chains Regulation (EUDR) since 2024. However, Boris Engelhardt, wdk Managing Director, warns that excessive bureaucratic requirements threaten to overwhelm businesses without enhancing environmental protections.
Under the EUDR, effective December 2025, all companies handling natural rubber - from importers to downstream processors - must provide full traceability to the plantation of origin. Engelhardt argues this creates redundant paperwork, as compliance is already ensured at the initial import stage. He proposes a 'first-touch principle', exempting subsequent supply chain actors once the first E...