Vietnam Classified as “Low Risk” Under the EU Anti-Deforestation Regulation

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Tran Van Cong, Vietnam's Agricultural Counselor in Belgium and the EU, affirmed that Vietnam's classification as a "low-risk" country reflects the close cooperation between both sides, particularly through the Voluntary Partnership Agreement on Forest Law Enforcement, Governance, and Trade (VPA/FLEGT), alongside environmental protection and sustainable development initiatives.

According to the EC, nations in the "low-risk" category benefit from simplified control procedures, fostering more favorable conditions for trade and export. This is a positive signal for Vietnam's agricultural and forestry sectors, easing procedural burdens and lowering compliance costs for businesses exporting to the EU market.

Staff of the Ma Bo Forest Management and Protection Station (Da Quyn Commune, Duc Trong District, Lam Dong Province) take care of the planted forests in the area. (Photo: Lam Dong Newspaper)

The EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) is expected to take effect by the end of 2025 as part of the EU’s broader effort to combat global deforestation by regulating supply chains for products such as timber, cocoa, coffee, soy, palm oil, rubber, beef, and related derivatives like leather, chocolate, and furniture.

Under the European Commission’s classification, only four countries—Belarus, Myanmar, North Korea, and Russia—were designated as "high risk." Meanwhile, nations such as Brazil and Indonesia were categorized as "standard risk" and subjected to medium-level control measures.

To ease administrative burdens and support businesses in complying with the EUDR, the EC introduced several adjustments, including allowing large enterprises to reuse previously submitted due diligence declarations when re-importing goods into the EU. Additionally, technical guidance documents and FAQs have been available since April 15 to assist stakeholders in preparing for compliance.

In 2024, the EC hosted over 300 meetings and 50 webinars, and developed training materials in 50 languages to support partner countries, including Vietnam. Furthermore, the EC expanded the budget for the "Team Europe" initiative to 86 million euros, aimed at helping developing nations transition to legal, sustainable, and deforestation-free supply chains. The EC reaffirmed its commitment to working alongside governments and businesses to ensure that product origin regulations do not become obstacles to legal trade and sustainable economic growth.

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