[Industry Impact] EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) requires geolocation data for natural rubber too — traceability becomes a focus for tyre and rubber-product companies

The EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) requires due diligence to confirm that commodities placed on or exported from the EU market are not linked to deforestation or forest degradation. Natural rubber is among the covered commodities. Under the EUDR, geolocation information — showing the latitude and longitude of the land where a commodity was produced — is a key data item. Large and medium operators become subject to the Regulation from 30 December 2026; micro and small operators already covered by the EU Timber Regulation also from 30 December 2026, and other micro and small operators from 30 June 2027. Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/2102, adopted on 13 July 2026, entered into force on 18 September 2026. The Commission states that it removes articles of vulcanised rubber, conveyor and transmission belts and re-treaded tyres from Annex I, along with cattle hides and leather, soybeans for sowing, and aircraft and motor vehicle seats, among other products. The list of commodities covered does not change, and natural rubber itself remains covered.