Question 1

What is the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) and why does it matter?

Accepted Answer

The EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) is a landmark law that prohibits products linked to deforestation from being sold in the EU. It requires manufacturers to perform due diligence to ensure products are:Free from deforestationCompliant with production country lawsSupported by a due diligence statementNon-compliance can result in product bans, legal penalties, and reputational damage, making EUDR adherence critical for companies exporting to or operating within the EU.

Question 2

How does the EU Deforestation Regulation affect supply chain sustainability?

Accepted Answer

EUDR raises the bar on supply chain sustainability by mandating extensive data collection and annual risk assessments. Companies must analyze deforestation risk factors, such as land use, human rights concerns, and traceability to the origin plot. This marks a shift from basic compliance to ongoing, risk-informed due diligence, reshaping responsible sourcing standards.

Question 3

What is a Digital Product Passport (DPP) and how does it support EUDR compliance?

Accepted Answer

A Digital Product Passport (DPP) is a digital record that contains detailed product information, including origin, materials, carbon footprint, and supplier data. While not mandatory under the EUDR, EU digital product passports streamline compliance by:Centralizing traceability dataEnabling faster, more accurate risk assessmentsSupporting proactive regulatory readinessAdopting DPPs gives manufacturers a scalable way to meet today’s EUDR requirements and prepare for future EU sustainability laws.

Question 4

Which products are in scope under the EU Deforestation Regulation?

Accepted Answer

The EUDR applies to both raw commodities and derived goods, including:Commodities: Cattle, cocoa, coffee, oil palm, rubber, soy, woodProducts: Leather, chocolate, palm oil, glycerol, rubber items, pulp, paper goods

Question 5

Why should manufacturers adopt Digital Product Passports now?

Accepted Answer

Proactively integrating digital product passports into compliance programs helps manufacturers:Stay ahead of evolving EU regulations like EUDR and the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR)Increase transparency and audit readinessReduce manual compliance burdens and future proof their operationsWith global regulations trending toward stricter responsible sourcing requirements, DPPs are a strategic investment for long-term compliance and competitive advantage.

Question 6

Why are tariffs a major concern for manufacturers in 2025?

Accepted Answer

Tariffs have become one of the biggest obstacles to manufacturing growth. According to the National Association of Manufacturers, 76% of companies cited trade uncertainty as their top concern in early 2025: a 20% jump from late 2024.At the same time, manufacturers expect raw material costs to rise more than 5%, largely due to shifting global tariffs and supply chain disruptions. These new trade barriers are forcing companies to reassess sourcing strategies, supplier dependencies, and cost structures. Uncertainty around import duties, Section 232 tariffs, and global trade agreements means manufacturers need accurate supply chain visibility to forecast costs and stay competitive.

Question 7

How can supply chain data help manufacturers lower tariff costs and qualify for tariff exclusions?

Accepted Answer

With accurate country of origin (COO) and harmonized tariff schedule (HTS) data, manufacturers can apply for tariff exclusions, qualify for free trade agreements (FTAs), and even reduce customs duties. But approvals only go to manufacturers with verifiable COO and HTS data to prove eligibility. The substantial transformation rule also allows tariff reductions when parts from multiple countries are assembled into a product that undergoes significant change but this is only valid with traceable supply chain data.

Question 8

How does Assent help manufacturers manage tariffs and trade compliance more effectively?

Accepted Answer

Assent helps manufacturers navigate complex tariff requirements and trade regulations through a combination of expert guidance and AI-driven technology. Our platform automates the collection of COO and HTS data, improves supply chain visibility, and ensures compliance with trade regulations, including Section 232, Dodd-Frank Section 1502, and global FTAs.With the largest supply chain data network in the industry, Assent gives you:Accurate COO and HTS data managementAutomated supplier outreach and educationGuidance from trade compliance expertsProven processes for securing tariff exclusions and cost savings

Question 9

What is Bill S-211?

Accepted Answer

Bill S-211 requires companies that produce, distribute, or import goods in Canada to report publicly on how they’ve identified, assessed, and mitigated forced and child labour risks in their supply chains. Manufacturers remain a primary focus area, representing over one-third of all reporting entities in 2024. Compliance now means demonstrating measurable progress in your due diligence program, not simply publishing a report.

Question 10

What are regulators looking for now under Bill S-211 reporting?

Accepted Answer

Following the 2025 deadline, Canadian authorities are emphasizing enforcement and accountability. Reports are being reviewed for completeness, accuracy, and evidence of real action. Key areas of focus include:Proof of supplier engagement on forced and child labour risks.Evidence of internal training and clear escalation processes.Year-over-year progress in identifying and mitigating high-risk suppliers.Consistency across global reports, particularly for companies also subject to the UK Modern Slavery Act or upcoming EU Forced Labour Regulation.

Question 11

How does Assent improve Bill S-211 compliance?

Accepted Answer

Assent helps manufacturers go beyond one-time reporting to build continuous compliance and resilience under Bill S-211 and other global human rights regulations. Our Forced Labour Solution combines AI-powered supplier screening, automated data collection, and audit-ready reporting tools to help companies prove due diligence throughout the year.With Assent, you can:Automate supplier outreach and forced labour declarations.Identify high-risk suppliers through indirect screening and ownership data.Centralize all compliance documentation for annual reporting.Benchmark progress across multiple human rights frameworks.

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Tag: Supply Chain Sustainability