The 4C certification system and partner organisation Global Risk Assessment Services (GRAS) are offering customised solutions to EU-importing operators and their suppliers, in response to the EU Deforestation-free Regulation (EUDR), which took effect on 29 June.
Operators have 18 months to meet the new export requirements for coffee to the EU – including the adoption of deforestation-free practices, operational legitimacy, and supply chain traceability – but some roasters and traders may seek evidence of compliance before the full implementation by the end of 2024.
As such, 4C is strongly encouraging coffee producers to align with the requirements and has launched a solution focusing on data collection, risk analysis and risk mitigation.
The collaborative approach between 4C and GRAS leverages tools for risk assessments, incorporating satellite image interpretation for deforestation and land use change.
An extensive data set covering national legislation, human rights, claims by indigenous peoples, corruption indices, and law enforcement activities complements the solution.
The integration of on-the-ground expertise from 4C certification and third-party verification establishes a robust foundation for constructing a compelling due diligence case.
The 4C Portal facilitates this process by allowing the upload and replication of the entire coffee flow, including relevant actors in the supply chain, to adequately demonstrate traceability.
The EUDR intends to tackle global deforestation and advocate for sustainable practices across various commodity markets, including coffee.
Under this regulation, any operator or trader involved in placing such commodities on the EU market or exporting from it must provide evidence that the products do not originate from recently deforested land or contribute to forest degradation. Compliance with the EUDR is centred around three key pillars: deforestation-free production, legitimacy, and traceability.
4C is an independent, internationally recognised sustainability certification scheme for the coffee sector. Certification focuses on good agricultural and management practices, including requirements on economic, social and environmental conditions for coffee production, and processing in order to establish credible sustainable and transparent supply chains.
For more information visit www.4c-services.org
