EUDR Update - November 2025
The upcoming EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) represents one of the most significant changes our industry has seen in years, and it will have a direct impact on how we, as a Lincolnshire based B2B chocolate manufacturer, source our cocoa and serve our customers.
While this regulation is designed to promote more sustainable global supply chains, it also brings new challenges and opportunities for everyone involved, from cocoa farmers to finished chocolate producers and the businesses we supply.
At its core, the EUDR aims to ensure that products containing commodities such as cocoa are not linked to deforestation or forest degradation after December 2020. For us, this means that every cocoa bean used in our chocolate must be traceable back to its origin, with precise data showing where it was grown. This level of traceability will become a legal requirement for all chocolate placed on or exported to the EU market. Even though we are based in the UK, many of our customers distribute their products within the EU, meaning these rules will still affect us and our partners directly.
Practically speaking, this means we are working closely with our suppliers to ensure our cocoa supply chain is mapped out at every step . Our focus is on verifying that the cocoa used in our chocolate comes from farms that meet the new sustainability and traceability standards. This process involves gathering detailed information about each source, assessing the risk of deforestation, and ensuring that all the required data can be submitted as part of the due diligence process. It is a complex task and it aligns with our values of ethical production and environmental responsibility.
For our customers, these changes will help ensure that the chocolate they buy from us is not only high quality but also compliant with the latest EU sustainability standards. We know that our B2B customers, whether they are artisan chocolatiers, food manufacturers, retailers or hospitality suppliers rely on us to deliver products that meet the highest standards of quality, consistency and integrity. With the EUDR coming into effect, we are taking steps now to future proof our operations so that our partners can continue to trade confidently in European and global markets without interruption.
There will inevitably be some adjustments along the way. Traceability systems, documentation and supplier audits will add complexity to the supply chain, and some raw materials may become more expensive as producers invest in new technology to meet compliance requirements. However, we believe this shift could ultimately lead to a more transparent, fair and sustainable cocoa industry. By working directly with suppliers who share our commitment to responsible sourcing, we can strengthen relationships throughout the supply chain and ensure that the farmers behind our cocoa are supported rather than excluded from the market.
We are also taking this opportunity to look inward, examining how our production processes, packaging and communication with customers can better reflect our sustainability commitments. The EUDR is not just a compliance exercise, it’s a chance to reaffirm our role as a trusted, forward thinking manufacturer that cares about the environmental and social impact of what we produce.
As the regulation comes into force, we will continue to keep our customers informed about what it means for them and what documentation might be required for products destined for EU markets. Our goal is to make this transition as smooth as possible, ensuring that every box of chocolate leaving Hames Chocolates is not only delicious and reliable but also ethically and legally sound.
Ultimately, the EUDR reinforces something we already believe in, great chocolate should never come at the expense of the planet. By embracing these changes early, we are not just meeting new legal requirements, we are helping to shape a more sustainable future for the chocolate industry, our customers and the generations to come.
EUDR is expected to come into force on the 30th December 2025 for medium and large producers. For micro and small producers this is delayed until December 30th, 2026.
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For more information on EUDR read our earlier blogs
What is EUDR?
Hames EUDR update statement