In December 2025, the EU confirmed a major adjustment to the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) that directly affects parts of the print sector.
The headline change for many print businesses is that finished printed products in Chapter 49 (for example books, newspapers, magazines and similar “products of the printing industry”) were removed from scope in the simplification package agreed in late 2025.
This comes in response to member state and stakeholder concerns around the administration of the regulation and the readiness of IT systems. According to the Council, this decision reflected the ‘limited deforestation risk associated with these items’ and will further reduce administrative burden.
At the same time, the EU also confirmed a one-year implementation delay, with compliance dates pushed back to December 30th 2026 for large/medium operators and June 30th 2027 for small/micro operators.
What it means for UK printers exporting to the EU
For UK printers exporting finished printed products that fall under Chapter 49, the December 2025 update is a genuine reduction in compliance burden. Attention should be paid though to elements such as HS Code 48.19, which covers cartons, boxes, cases, bags, and other packing containers of paper or paperboard.
- Subject to EUDR:Packaging products under HS 48.19 are subject to the EUDR if sold as standalone items. This requires operators and traders to perform due diligence
- Exempt from EUDR:Packaging used solely for transporting or protecting another product is not considered a relevant product under the EUDR and is exempt from its due diligence requirements.
Steps UK printers should take now
- Classify what you export: map your exported products to CN/HS codes and confirm whether they are in scope (or exempt as Chapter 49 printed products)
- Clarify your role: if you are the “operator” placing an in-scope product on the EU market, you may need to ensure a Due Diligence Statement (DDS) exists and is correctly referenced. Even where DDS is managed upstream, downstream actors must still understand and reference it correctly
- Secure upstream evidence: obtain traceability and legality assurances from paper/board suppliers (many supply chains will manage DDS creation upstream, but you still need the evidence trail for customers and audits)
- Build a customer-facing explanation: EU customers will ask whether items are exempt, which HS code applies, and whether a DDS reference is available for in-scope goods — your sales and CSR teams need a clear script to work from and be able to respond in a timely way
For further information on the EUDR legislation and how affects your business and its products please go to the following link: bit.ly/eudradvice26
For more information please contact IPIA Member and partner Interu: interu.io
