This document aims to inform stakeholders about the key features that make a traceability solution relevant in the context of the EUDR. It introduces the topic of traceability, provides an overview of the requirements related to traceability under the EUDR, and offers guidance to help stakeholders understand which elements should be considered when selecting, setting up, and implementing inclusive and efficient traceability systems in line with EUDR requirements.
Relevant tools for traceability already exist and need to be scaled up to reach larger portions of supply chains, where the aspects of interoperability and inclusiveness become highly relevant. This is why the document also provides guidance on how to establish inclusive traceability solutions. As the current debate on establishing traceability under the EUDR also covers different understandings of the respective roles of stakeholders, the document includes a short section on how key stakeholders can contribute to implementing effective traceability systems, which can inform debates in multi-stakeholder formats within and beyond countries of production. Collaboration between different actors in the supply chain is particularly key for creating inclusive supply chains since smallholder production is often embedded in long value chains that involve different social contexts. To be inclusive, it is essential that traceability solutions are not only technically sound but socially equitable and benefit all supply chain participants, particularly by empowering smallholders. The annex provides a pertinent Step-by-step guide for selecting, setting up and implementing traceability solutions which are effective, inclusive, include elements of relevance within the EUDR context, and fit the specific purpose and con-text of the stakeholders.
