Vietnam Rubber Group Prepares for EU’s Deforestation-Free Regulation

13 September 2024 News

In a significant move towards sustainable practices, the Vietnam Rubber Group (VRG) is aligning with the European Union’s Deforestation-Free Regulation (EUDR).This regulation, which aims to curb deforestation linked to agricultural commodities, mandates that rubber products entering the EU market must be sourced from land free of deforestation post-December 31, 2020.

The EUDR effective June 29, 2023, requires companies to implement stringent due diligence processes. These include verifying the origin of rubber, ensuring compliance with local laws, and maintaining detailed records of production areas. The regulation is part of the EU’s broader strategy to reduce its environmental footprint and promote global forest conservation.

In preparation for the EUDR, which will apply to operators and traders exporting to the EU market from January 1, 2025, VRG has partnered with the Vietnam Forest Certification Office (VFCO) to conduct training for 22 of its rubber companies. These training sessions were held in the Southeast region from September 4-6, 2024, and in the Central Highlands from September 9-11, 2024, with 98 participants.

The training was based on the PEFC ST 2002-1:2024 Module Standard, which outlines the requirements for implementing the PEFC EUDR Due Diligence System (DDS). This standard addresses three key EUDR requirements: ensuring materials do not contribute to deforestation post-December 31, 2020, compliance with local laws, and the establishment of a robust DDS.

Participants discussed their current data and information systems, identified gaps, and worked on upgrading to the PEFC EUDR DDS. The VFCO will continue to offer both online and on-site support to help companies meet these stringent requirements.

With over 120,000 hectares of forests certified for sustainable management and 22 companies certified under the PEFC Chain of Custody standard, VRG is well-positioned to comply with the EUDR. This initiative underscores VRG’s commitment to sustainable development and environmental stewardship. By adhering to these new standards, VRG not only secures its market access to the EU but also contributes to global efforts in combating climate change and preserving biodiversity.

This initiative reflects a growing trend among major agricultural producers to adopt more eco-friendly practices in response to increasing regulatory pressures and consumer demand for sustainable products.