As far as the global timber industry of Europe is concerned, Poland is a prominent player in the European timber industry, is preparing for the upcoming implementation of the European Union’s Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). Scheduled to take effect on December 30, 2025, for large companies and June 30, 2026, for small businesses, the EUDR aims to ensure that products placed on the EU market do not contribute to deforestation or forest degradation.
The EUDR expands upon the previous EU Timber Regulation by prohibiting the sale of certain commodities, including wood and wood products, that are linked to deforestation or forest degradation. This regulation requires companies to provide due diligence and traceability documentation to demonstrate that their products are not associated with deforestation. For Poland, a country where the forestry and woodworking industries are vital to the economy, the EUDR presents both opportunities and challenges. While the regulation aims to promote sustainable forest management, it also imposes stringent compliance requirements that could impact the competitiveness of Polish producers.
Economic significance
Poland’s woodworking industry is a cornerstone of its economy, employing over 136,000 people and contributing significantly to the country’s GDP. The sector encompasses various activities, including sawmilling, furniture manufacturing, and the production of wood-based panels. Poland is also a major exporter of wood products, with key markets in the EU and beyond. The introduction of the EUDR could affect Poland’s timber exports, especially to countries outside the EU. The regulation’s requirements may necessitate changes in sourcing practices and supply chain management, potentially leading to increased costs and administrative burdens for Polish companies.
Industry concerns and calls for revision
The Polish Chamber of Commerce of the Timber Industry (PIGPD) has expressed concerns about the EUDR’s potential impact on the domestic woodworking sector. In a position paper submitted to Poland’s Ministry of Development and Technology, PIGPD highlighted the regulation’s complexity and the high costs associated with compliance. The chamber has called for the urgent revision or postponement of the regulation and has expressed support for simplification proposals introduced by other EU member states. Additionally, 18 EU member states, including Poland, have urged the European Commission to reconsider certain aspects of the EUDR. These countries argue that the regulation’s stringent requirements could place producers in low-risk deforestation areas at a competitive disadvantage and may lead to the relocation of production outside the EU to avoid compliance costs.
In response to the EUDR, Polish authorities are implementing measures to secure national forest resources and stabilize the timber market. The Ministry of Development and Technology recognises wood as a strategically important raw material for Poland and is working to align national policies with EU sustainability goals.
For the woodworking industry, adapting to the EUDR will require investments in traceability systems, staff training, and potential restructuring of supply chains. While these adjustments may incur costs in the short term, they also present an opportunity for Polish companies to enhance their sustainability credentials and access markets that prioritise environmentally responsible products.
The impending implementation of the EUDR presents a significant challenge for Poland’s woodworking industry. While the regulation aims to promote global forest sustainability, its impact on the domestic sector underscores the need for a balanced approach that considers both environmental objectives and economic realities. As the deadline approaches, ongoing dialogue between industry stakeholders and policymakers will be crucial to ensure that the regulation’s goals are achieved without unduly burdening Poland’s woodworking sector.
Additional information about the Polish timber industry
Although the Polish timber sector is well-known for its substantial raw material base and robust manufacturing of wood-based panels and furniture, it faces obstacles such as growing costs, market competition, and shortages of raw materials, which lower output and profits. While the demand side is dispersed and controlled by small and micro-enterprises, the State Forests have monopolistic control over the supply side. The industry is also facing new difficulties as a result of regulatory reforms like the EUDR.
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