The European Union Regulation against Deforestation (EUDR) is radically transforming the cocoa industry by imposing complete traceability, from the GPS coordinates of the plantations to the finished product. From 2025, only chocolate from sustainable sources that respect tropical forests will be allowed to be sold in Europe.

Everything you need to know about the EUDR

Whether you’re a chocolatier, cocoa grower, pastry artist, or just a devoted lover of chocolate, there’s a major change on the horizon that’s already stirring up the cocoa world. Three letters you’ll be hearing a lot more about (if you haven’t already): EUDR.

So, what is it—and why are we writing about it?

First, what is EUDR? The EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) is a significant step by the European Union to ensure that products sold in Europe - such as cocoa, coffee, palm oil, and soy - aren’t linked to deforestation.

So far, so good - and most of us working in chocolate and cocoa agree. However, as with most big policy ideas (especially those emerging from Brussels), the challenge lies in the details - and deadlines.

Two farmers harvesting cocoa in a forest.

Deadlines are coming

Currently, large chocolate companies and traders have until December 30, 2025, to prove that their cocoa isn’t sourced from deforested land. Smaller businesses have until June 2026.

That means geolocation data for farms, supply chain traceability, and a brand-new digital trail referred to as DDS (Due Diligence Statements) for every shipment of beans is about to become mandatory - no more unsustainable cocoa in Europe!.

Drama in Brussels

Recently, major industry players, including Mondelēz International (Cadbury, Milka) and Nestle, have urged the EU to extend the deadline. Their reasons?

  • Cocoa prices are sky-high
  • Supply chains are stretched thin
  • Small farmers may not be ready for this level of digital detail

Some countries, such as Indonesia, Brazil, and Côte d’Ivoire, have also voiced concerns. The EU, they say, is asking a lot from producers who often lack access to smartphones, GPS, or stable internet, making it difficult for them to comply with the new regulations.

A simplified EUDR?

To calm the nerves and appease political parties on the right and some member countries, the European Commission has rolled out simplifications:

  • Operators can submit one statement per year for similar goods
  • Previous declarations can be reused (handy for re-imports!)
  • Authorised platforms can handle the paperwork
  • And downstream chocolatiers can refer to upstream due diligence numbers

Additionally, they’re reviewing whether some countries can be classified as “no-risk” origins, further easing the load.

But not everyone’s happy

Environmental groups and NGOs argue that watering down the rules could weaken Europe’s efforts to combat deforestation. Meanwhile, companies like Barry Callebaut, Ferrero, and Danone are backing the regulation as it stands. They’ve invested in traceability tech and want the playing field to stay fair.
Deforestation from above.

So, What Does This Mean for Chocolate Lovers attending this year’s Salon du Chocolat in Paris?

If you’re in the industry: get ready. EUDR is happening—maybe not exactly as first planned, but the train is still leaving the station. And yes, bean-to-bar will now mean bean-to-GPS coordinate.

If you’re a consumer, this is good news. Chocolate that respects forests, people, and transparency is the future. You’ll soon be able to bite into a confection knowing it wasn’t made at nature’s expense.

Visit the Salon du Chocolat