The EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) reflects the European Union’s commitment to reducing its global forest footprint by ensuring that products traded across its borders are not linked to deforestation or forest degradation. It marks a fundamental shift in business models, as companies importing or exporting certain raw materials - such as leather, wood, coffee, or soy - will be required to demonstrate that their supply chains are free from environmental harm.

While the objective and intended direction are well defined, uncertainty remains among Italian fashion professionals. Many are still working to understand how the regulation will affect day-to-day operations, international sourcing, and long-term business strategies. The potential for unintended consequences is real: from shifts in supplier responsibilities to sourcing relocations, and open questions around the selection of raw materials and the customs codes identified in the regulation’s annexes, which may affect compliance strategies and market access.

Sustainability-lab.net contributes to the ongoing debate by examining the EUDR’s implications on Italian Fashion through a range of perspectives. Read the full article here.