European Boating Industry (EBI) launches dedicated guidance on the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), the first publication under its new EBI Regulatory Compass initiative providing practical EU regulatory support to the recreational boating industry.

This marks the start of the EBI Regulatory Compass, a new initiative developed as part of EBI’s strategy to provide more concrete support to companies alongside its policy and advocacy work. As EU legislation increasingly affects day-to-day business activities, the Regulatory Compass will provide sector-specific guidance and practical implementation support on regulatory requirements relevant to the recreational boating industry.

The EUDR introduces new due diligence, traceability and documentation requirements for companies placing, making available or exporting certain commodities and products on the EU market. For the boating industry, it is particularly relevant because wood and natural rubber are widely used across boatbuilding, refit and components.

The Regulation will apply from 30 December 2026 for large and medium-sized enterprises and from 30 June 2027 for micro and small enterprises. Depending on their role in the supply chain, companies may need to determine whether products fall within scope, obtain information from suppliers, meet traceability and geolocation requirements, carry out due diligence and risk assessments, submit due diligence statements and retain the required documentation.

To support companies preparing these requirements, EBI has developed the new guidance together with Cattwyk. It focuses specifically on how the EUDR applies to the recreational boating industry and translates the Regulation into practical information for businesses across the supply chain.

The guidance addresses the distinction between operators, downstream operators and traders and the obligations applying to each. It covers importers, component manufacturers and distributors, boatbuilders, refit yards and exporters, as well as typical sector examples including teak decking, marine plywood, wooden furniture and joinery, natural-rubber components and finished recreational craft.

It also provides practical information on due diligence, supplier information, traceability and geolocation, customs requirements, documentation and record keeping, together with a checklist of actions companies can take to prepare for compliance.

Future publications will focus on specific areas of EU legislation and, where relevant, will be developed together with technical specialists. The aim is to help companies understand not only what EU legislation requires, but how those requirements apply in practice across the recreational boating value chain.

EBI Regulatory Compass publications are available as in-depth paid resources. Preferential pricing is available to EBI members and to companies and organisations belonging to EBI’s national member associations.

The EUDR Guidance is available now through the EBI website, with further EBI Regulatory Compass publications to follow.