February 12, 2025
SHC to integrate with EUDR Information System
The European Commission has just delivered on its platform for companies to provide EUDR data by launching the online “Information System”. A key objective of the SHC Assurance System is to allow U.S. hardwood exporters to quickly and efficiently provide their EU customers with the data they need to enter onto the EU system.
The EUDR Information System allows EU operators to “indicate the exact origins of products and materials by drawing areas on a map, or by providing coordinates individually or in bulk”. The EC press release promises the Information System will “make the process as simple as possible for companies working with products from multiple locations, there are options for uploading, copying or re-using location information”, and data can be provided in GeoJSON format or through a compatible API.
The EUDR Information System may only be used for products placed on the EU market after the date of application of the EUDR — December 30th 2025. However, since it is possible that many manufacturers or traders will be using their current inventory for product shipments in 2026, SHC expects a very rapid increase in requests from global customers for EUDR-conformance data.
It is important to note that the EU Information System is only accessible to organizations that have an Economic Operator Registration and Identification (EORI) number provided by a member state or UK(NI) authority. U.S. hardwood exporters that do not have operations in the EU (or Northern Ireland) and do not have a EORI or VAT number are not able to interact directly with the system. Responsibility for preparing EUDR-conformant due diligence statements and submitting to the Information System lies with the EU operator.
A helpful feature of the EUDR Information System is the “ACCEPTANCE” server, which is essentially a training room to test out the system and become comfortable with the process. This server will allow European companies to familiarize themselves with the process and the exact information that is required. Companies can also send a maximum of 3 GeoJSON files directly to the Commission team and they will provide feedback about the test results.
The SHC Assurance System, due to be launched for U.S. exporters no later than July this year, is being designed to interface effectively with the EUDR Information System. SHC is built on data demonstrating a negligible risk of illegal harvest and deforestation to the county level in the United States. It will allow the data to be rapidly delivered with each consignment, together with geolocation coordinates, to their customers in the EU and other export markets. Pilot testing of the web-based tool is underway in January and February 2025. A key part of this pilot testing will involve direct cooperation with U.S. company volunteers and EU importers to ensure efficient transfer of the data they need to enter onto the Information System.
For more details on the EUDR Information System visit the launch press release and the homepage for the Information System