Geolocation Coordinates The EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) requires palm oil suppliers to provide the geolocation of all plots of land where the palm fruit was grown. For plots larger than 4 hectares, this means submitting polygon coordinates (a set of latitude-longitude pairs that outline the field). For smaller plots, a single point (latitude and longitude) is acceptable. These coordinates enable buyers to verify that the oil palm cultivation did not occur on land deforested after December 31, 2020.

Traceability to Plantation Beyond coordinates, the regulation demands a traceability chain from the final product back to the plantation. This means suppliers must document every step: from the fresh fruit bunches harvested at the plantation, through transport to the mill, then to refineries and processing facilities, and finally to the finished palm product. For each facility in the chain, the name, address, and geolocation (or at least the country and region) must be recorded.

Due Diligence Statement Palm oil importers into the EU must submit a due diligence statement to the competent authorities. This statement declares that the palm product is deforestation-free and legal under the laws of the country of origin. Supporting evidence includes geolocation data, compliance with local land rights, and proof that the crop was not grown on peatlands (in some cases). Buyers are expected to collect and verify this information from their suppliers.

Practical Steps for Buyers - Request geodata upfront: When sourcing palm oil, ask for the specific geolocation polygons or points for all supplying plantations. - Validate the traceability: Ensure each supplier can provide a complete chain-of-custody document linking your shipment to specific fields. - Use third-party tools: Platforms like the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) or Global Forest Watch can help assess deforestation risk, but geolocation data is the core requirement. - Plan for compliance: Non-compliant products cannot be placed on the EU market, so early integration of these data into procurement contracts is essential.

Key Takeaways The EUDR places a heavy emphasis on precise, plot-level data rather than broader supply chain certifications. For procurement managers, the main shift is from relying on mass balance or segregated certified volumes to demanding exact geolocations for every palm fruit sourced. This allows buyers to risk-assess their supply base and ensures that the palm oil they purchase is truly deforestation-free.