The EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) is set to fundamentally transform the tyre industry when it comes into force for large companies on 30 December 2025. The legislation requires all tyres and related products imported into the European Union to have fully traceable supply chains proving that their raw materials (including natural rubber) were not sourced from land deforested after 31 December 2020.
Under the new rules, companies must submit due diligence statements for every shipment and provide concrete, geolocation-based evidence of land-use for their rubber supply. Non-compliant shipments face being banned from entry into the EU, marking a significant shift in how the industry manages its natural rubber procurement.
The regulation demands that manufacturers overhaul their sourcing and traceability systems to demonstrate compliance at the batch level. This affects procurement strategies across the board and requires digital platforms capable of tracing rubber back to individual farms. Traditional systems relying on supplier assurances are no longer adequate under the new framework.
The consequences of non-compliance are severe, potentially including regulatory fines, shipment bans, product recalls, and loss of OEM contracts. The deforestation-free criteria apply to every batch of natural rubber entering the EU market, making digital traceability technology and supply chain transparency vital requirements for all suppliers.
Whilst a six-month enforcement grace period is expected for large and medium enterprises (with formal penalties starting from June 2026) the regulation represents an immediate operational challenge. Small and micro companies will have until December 2026 to comply.
Falken Tyre Europe has positioned itself ahead of the curve, publicly confirming that it has "prepared early" for the incoming regulation. The company's project team has spent recent months intensively testing and implementing all necessary processes to ensure compliance.
"Starting in December, we can provide you with the relevant EUDR information for your deliveries – quickly, transparently, and reliably," Falken stated in its customer communication. The manufacturer has confirmed that traceability for all its tyres has been ensured, and customers can rely on Falken to meet all legal requirements.
The company emphasised its goal of making the transition "as easy as possible" for customers, promising minimal additional effort for their existing processes. This early adaptation of traceability and documentation systems positions Falken as a proactive supplier able to maintain uninterrupted EU market access.
To meet EUDR standards, tyre companies must undertake several key compliance steps:
Collecting granular supplier data and running risk assessments for each shipment forms the foundation of the new system. Companies must submit digital due diligence statements (DDS) via the EU TRACES platform, proving that rubber is sourced from non-deforested land since 2020 at farm level.
Advanced traceability tools such as digital passports and verified geolocation data are becoming essential components of supply chain management. The regulation marks a shift from general sustainability commitments to specific, verifiable documentation requirements at the batch level.
As the EUDR deadline approaches, the tyre industry faces significant operational and regulatory shifts. Whilst companies like Falken have moved early to ensure compliant, sustainable supply chains, the broader sector must rapidly adapt to meet the December 2025 implementation date and avoid disruption to EU market access.
Tagged with: EUDR compliance, deforestation-free rubber, tyre traceability, due diligence statements, TRACES system, geolocation evidence, EU customs, OEM supply, natural rubber sourcing, shipment documentation
Disclaimer: This content may include forward-looking statements. Views expressed are not verified or endorsed by Tyre News Media.
