Preparedness check of Sri Lanka for the EU Deforestation Regulation

The EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), in force since June 2023, prohibits placing coffee and other commodities on the EU market unless they are deforestation-free, legally produced, and supported by due diligence and traceability information. Its main obligations will apply from December 2026, with extended timelines for small operators.

For Sri Lanka, rubber is particularly important, with the EU representing a significant market for natural rubber and manufactured rubber goods. This preparedness check examines Sri Lanka’s existing policies, tools, and data that could support EUDR due diligence for the rubber sector. It also identifies key gaps and challenges in demonstrating deforestation-free and legal production, with particular attention to smallholder producers and the accessibility of origin-level information.