Coffee import regulation: the EU deforestation rule first.
The rule most likely to change how you buy coffee in the next year is the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). This page states what we have verified, links the primary source, and says plainly what we have not checked.
EUDR, as the European Commission states it.
The EU Deforestation Regulation aims to ensure that products consumed in the EU do not contribute to deforestation or forest degradation. It enters into application on 30 December 2026 for large and medium operators and on 30 June 2027 for micro and small operators.
Source: European Commission, Regulation on deforestation-free products. Checked 2 November 2026. The dates have moved before, so read the source before you plan around them.
What it means for a coffee buyer.
If you place coffee on the EU market, put the question to every supplier now: how will the lot be traced to where it was grown, and when can you show it? Plot-level geolocation for Kaffa Bridge lots is in build. We do not describe it as running. The voyage sensor record is also in build.
- Ask each supplier how plots are identified and when that record will be available.
- Ask what is on file today for the specific lot you are buying, not for the origin in general.
- Ask who is responsible for the due diligence step, you or the supplier, and put it in writing.
What travels with our shipments today.
The Q score and its scoresheet come with the offer. Moisture and water activity are read again when the container lands.
What we have not verified.
Ethiopian export regulation, the rules of the UK, the US and other destinations, and the export rules of Brazil, Colombia, Kenya, Indonesia and Vietnam were not checked against a primary source in our latest research. We do not summarise them here. When we have checked them, they will be added with the source and the date.
One related fact we have seen: the Brazilian exporters' council Cecafe offers issuance of the ICO Certificate of Origin on its site. Source: Cecafe.
A question about paperwork?
Send it in a brief. If we have the answer on file we give it, and if we have not verified it we say so.
Send your brief
Tell us the shape of it and we reply with something specific. No commitment.
Received.
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