Lao PDR and the EUDR: New reports identify practical pathways for coffee-sector preparedness

The European Forest Institute’s Technical facility on deforestation-free value chains released two new analyses that explore how Lao PDR's existing forest monitoring systems and coffee sector can support implementation of the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR).

The reports examine the relationship between Lao PDR's national forest and land-use monitoring systems and the requirements introduced by the EUDR, as well as the readiness of the country's coffee sector to meet new market requirements.

The findings indicate that Lao PDR has well-established forest monitoring systems that play an important role in forest governance, land-use planning and climate reporting. However, the reports note that these systems were designed for national policy and environmental monitoring purposes rather than for plot-level verification required under the EUDR.

Rather than recommending large-scale changes to national forest mapping systems, the analyses highlight the value of targeted, commodity-specific approaches. For coffee, priorities include improving plot geolocation, strengthening traceability systems, improving access to legality documentation, and supporting cooperative approaches that can help smallholders participate in changing market requirements.

Coffee was identified as a practical starting point because of its importance to rural livelihoods, its direct and indirect links to EU markets, and the existing experience of cooperatives and certification schemes. The reports also note that lessons learned from coffee could inform future preparedness efforts in other commodities, including rubber.

A recurring theme is the importance of balancing regulatory requirements with the realities faced by producers, cooperatives, exporters and public authorities. The reports emphasise that preparedness efforts are most effective when they build on existing national systems and focus on practical solutions that reduce administrative burdens while supporting transparency and traceability.

The findings are intended to contribute to ongoing technical dialogue between Lao PDR, European stakeholders, private-sector actors and development partners working on deforestation-free value chains.

Download the reports

• Preparedness check of Lao coffee for the EU Deforestation Regulation 
• Forest and Land-Use Monitoring in Lao PDR and the EUDR