Information from AAFC’s Market Access Secretariat:
On Thursday May 22, 2025, the European Commission published the EUDR benchmarking country classification list. Canada has been classified as a low-risk country.
Sourcing from low-risk countries allows for simplified due diligence obligations for operators and traders. This means that they must collect information on products being imported and/or placed on the market (see EUDR Articles 9 and 13) but are not required to assess and mitigate risk (Articles 10 and 11). It also reduces the extent of compliance checks that Member States’ competent authorities must undertake to 1% of product imports (Article 16).
Information gathering requirements under Article 9 include: general product information; geolocation information; and adequately conclusive and verifiable information that the product was produced legally and deforestation-free, among other requirements.
Further information about today’s announcement is available in the European Commission’s press release.
Although a low-risk classification is positive news for Canada, implementation concerns remain. Government officials will continue advocacy in an effort to ensure that Canada’s interests and concerns are taken into account in the coming months. We will also continue to monitor EUDR-related developments and keep you informed of any further updates as they arise.
