EU deforestation rules require wood imports to be geolocated; Italy faces challenges adapting its monitoring systems globally.
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Starting in January 2026, importing “wood and derivatives” into Europe will require geolocation data due to the new European Deforestation Regulation (EUDr), an evolution of the existing EUTR, aimed at preventing global deforestation through stricter controls. The EUDr mandates that every piece of wood or fiber must be geolocated from its source. Italy, a major importer of furniture wood, relies heavily on international supply chains and is investigating how to meet these new requirements. Previously, the EUTR required importers to prove they did not contribute to deforestation through documentation; the EUDr adds the requirement for geolocation data for every collection point. Italian forest carabinieri plan to use an existing smart forest monitoring system developed with Cnr, Crea, and MIT, but the challenge lies in adapting this technology for international application, especially in fragile exporting countries. This monitoring tool uses satellite remote sensing and ground teams equipped with drones and hyperspectral sensors to detect anomalies like illegal logging or fires. The Italian authorities are attempting to export this smart forest monitoring to high-risk sourcing countries in South America (Ecuador and Brazil). The regulation categorizes risk levels, allowing for increased control percentages from 1% up to 9% for the most suspicious areas. While this system appears beneficial on paper, its application in tropical regions is difficult because it needs adaptation beyond a simple copy-paste approach due to different environmental conditions and agricultural practices, such as agroforestry by indigenous communities. Experts warn that overly strict requirements could push countries toward illegal or alternative markets. This challenge also affects smaller, “fragile” suppliers like those in the Balkans (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia), who must adapt their systems to continue exporting wood to Europe despite varying levels of administrative complexity, political instability, and systemic corruption in these nations.
