EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) Impacts Vietnamese Businesses; VCCI Holds Workshop

The European Union's (EU) Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), set to take effect on December 30, 2026, is posing a critical compliance challenge for relevant Vietnamese businesses. The Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) organized a workshop in Hanoi on September 22 to enhance understanding of the regulation and the necessary steps for companies. The EUDR mandates that products such as cattle, coffee, cocoa, palm oil, rubber, soybeans, and timber—approximately 80 commodities across seven categories—must be deforestation-free and legally sourced to be circulated in the EU market. While the direct obligations fall on EU-based operators, Vietnamese exporting companies are responsible for providing EU importers with sufficient information and evidence demonstrating compliance with the EUDR requirements. At the workshop, Mr. Đậu Anh Tuấn, Deputy Secretary-General and Head of the Legal Department at VCCI, elaborated on the EUDR's framework and its implications for businesses. Dr. Nguyễn Thị Thu Trang, Arbitrator at the Vietnam International Arbitration Centre (VIAC); Ms. Nguyễn Thị Hoài from the Department of Crop Production and Plant Protection (Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development); Mr. Thái Như Hiệp, Vice Chairman of the Vietnam Coffee and Cocoa Association (VICOFA); Mr. Tô Xuân Phúc, Executive Director of Forest Trends; Mr. Cao Xuân Thanh, Chief of the Office of the Vietnam Timber and Forest Product Association (VIFOREST); and Ms. Trần Minh Thu from the WTO and Integration Department, Legal Department of VCCI, presented on the regulation's fundamental aspects, scope, target subjects, and key requirements for businesses entering the European market. Specific attention was given to the requirements concerning product traceability, geographical coordinates, proof of zero deforestation, and the legality of goods. Companies participating in the event raised questions regarding their capacity to comply with the EUDR, challenges within export supply chains, and their experiences and adherence to regulations in the EU market, leading to a dynamic exchange of views. Participants agreed to jointly propose and recommend policy and technical solutions to support businesses, producers, and exporters in related sectors to meet the EUDR requirements upon its enforcement. This initiative is a significant step for Vietnam in maintaining access to the EU market and establishing a sustainable production and export system.