New EU legislation is on the way:
Here’s what you need to know (and why now is the best time to get started)
Several European legislative proposals and directives are currently being developed that will have a major impact on companies in the graphic media industry and related sectors. Some of these laws will take effect soon, while others will follow later, but one thing is certain:
Waiting is no longer an option. By taking action now, you’ll avoid time pressure later and be better prepared than your competitors.
In this article, we’ll walk you through three key European regulations:
- EUDR – European Deforestation Regulation
- NIS2 – Network and Information Security Directive
- Green Claims Directive – Directive on Sustainability Claims
We’ll explain the current situation, what it means for your business, and how you can prepare for it.
Remco Glashouwer
Author
EUDR (European Deforestation Regulation):
The EUDR is a European regulation aimed at combating deforestation and forest degradation worldwide. In practical terms, this means that products may only be placed on the European market if it can be demonstrated that they do not originate from areas where deforestation or forest degradation has occurred.
What is the current status?
On October 21, 2025, the European Commission published a new proposal for the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). Following reports in early October that another extension had been requested, it is now clear that this request was not granted. Contrary to the request for simplification of the regulation and an additional extension of the EUDR, the proposal appears to be causing even more confusion. It is also unclear whether the new proposal can be processed in time, as it must first be approved by both the European Parliament and the European Council.
What are the main points of the new proposal?
- The previously announced postponement of the EUDR has been scrapped.
- Medium-sized and large companies must comply with the EUDR by December 30, 2025, at the latest. However, there is a six-month transition period during which there will be no inspections or enforcement.
- Micro and small businesses will be given an additional six months, until December 30, 2026. This also applies when a micro or small business supplies a large company.
- The announced simplifications are open to broad interpretation and, for the time being, are creating new ambiguities, for example regarding the generation, receipt, and provision of DDS reference numbers.
The KVGO is in discussions with Intergraf and other European stakeholders to clarify the practical implications and align interpretations.
What can we expect in the coming months?
The European Commission has proposed measures to simplify the EUDR. The European Parliament will vote on these measures during its session on November 14. The European Council must also give its approval—which is a major challenge given the growing pressure from member states and interest groups. If no agreement is reached, the existing EUDR framework will remain in effect, as announced, until December 2024.
Preparing for the EUDR
Despite the uncertainties, it remains important to be prepared for the EUDR. After all, the core of the regulation remains supply chain control and accountability.
So make sure your company is prepared to receive and transmit DDS reference numbers. This also aligns with the obligations under the European Union Timber Regulation (EUTR)—the predecessor to the EUDR—which the NVWA continues to actively enforce. The EUTR, in effect since 2013, requires companies to demonstrate that their materials do not originate from illegal logging.
Products will only be permitted on the European market if it can be demonstrated that the raw materials do not originate from such forests. It is a complex regulation with many exceptions, and at the time of writing, discussions are still ongoing regarding further simplification of the regulation; it is now clear that the European Commission has submitted an official proposal for a one-year postponement.
What does the EUDR mean for companies in the paper and printing industry?
Paper is one of the raw materials covered by the regulation. This means that all companies in the paper supply chain must demonstrate that the wood does not originate from areas affected by deforestation or forest degradation. This is based on the geolocation of the forest and a due diligence assessment of the supply chain.
As mentioned earlier, this is a complex issue for the paper industry because paper is composed of different types of pulp sourced from various locations. The challenge posed by the EUDR lies with both paper mills and companies that are the first to place a product on the European market. Companies that purchase from a European supplier are required to conduct a risk assessment, but may rely on risk assessments provided by suppliers further up the supply chain.
Non-SME companies must generate their own DDS reference number for this purpose on the EU-Traces platform. SMEs must verify the presence of the DDS and, upon request, share it with entities in the supply chain and with the competent authority. This may be done based on the materials received. The regulation therefore places the greatest burden on entities at the beginning of the supply chain and on non-SME companies.
- First in the EU market: all aspects of the regulation apply, including conducting a full due diligence process with a risk assessment, implementing risk mitigation measures, and submitting reports;
- Non-SME companies: conduct their own DDS, but use previous Due Diligence Statements (DDS) and generate and make available their own reference number in EU-Traces;
- SMEs: Verify the authenticity of DDSs and forward material reference numbers to companies in the supply chain and make them available to the competent authority
The key to complying with the EUDR lies primarily in automation. Obtaining reference numbers throughout the supply chain is a labor-intensive process, and these numbers must be available whenever the competent authority (NVWA) or other supply chain participants request them. To this end, it is essential that the reference numbers of received deliveries can be linked to the corresponding orders.
NIS2 (Network and Information Security)
The Network and Information Security Directive is part of the Cybersecurity Act and will take full effect in early 2026.
NIS2 aims to strengthen cybersecurity in the EU and improve the resilience of critical services. To this end, it primarily focuses on companies in sectors that provide critical services—such as water authorities, the energy sector, ICT service providers, government agencies, and the space industry—as well as companies that serve as key links in the chain of these services.
What does this mean for print and sign companies?
In addition to essential services, there is also a list of designated key services, including postal and courier companies, waste management, and the production and distribution of chemicals and food products. Printing and signage companies in the creative industry are not explicitly listed among either the essential or key sectors, but they are often direct suppliers to companies in these sectors.
Print and sign companies will be indirectly affected by this, and customers will begin to demand proof of digital resilience. A hack or other cybersecurity incident at a printing company processing a mailing or a new marketing campaign for an energy supplier will fall under the NIS2 regulations, such as the reporting obligation or duty of care. Companies will therefore need to take a proactive approach to information security.
What can you do?
Specifically for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), industry associations, MKB-Nederland, and VNO-NCW have developed a platform and a growth model to certify companies at three different NIS2 levels. This allows SMEs to start at their desired cybersecurity level, have their compliance verified, and demonstrate to customers and suppliers that appropriate measures have been taken.
The Service Center is following this initiative and has adapted its services accordingly to support companies at the level they require. Within the industry, the SCGM is also involved in conducting the audits through its trusted auditors who are familiar with the sector.
To determine the desired NIS 2 level, we have developed a step-by-step plan. Follow the plan, assess the risks, and determine the desired NIS 2 level.
Green Claims Directive
The Green Claims Directive is an EU proposal to tighten the rules governing environmental (or “green”) claims made by companies in product information, advertising, etc. The goal is to combat greenwashing, such as misleading or vague claims about sustainability, environmental friendliness, carbon neutrality, etc. For now, this is a Directive, which is formally a precursor to concrete legislation. In 2023, the European Commission submitted a proposal to formalize this into legislation by mid-2026. Companies can already start considering the inclusion of sustainability claims to prepare for this. Below is a brief overview of the key aspects:
- Restrictions on general, vague claims
Terms such as “eco,” “green,” “sustainable,” “climate-neutral,” etc., can no longer be used indiscriminately without specific evidence. Claims must be clear, specific, and fully substantiated.
’s Requirement for EvidenceScientific evidence must be available; methods such as life cycle assessments (LCA) will often be necessary. Claims must not selectively use measurements or highlight only the positive aspects without acknowledging negative effects.
Pre-verification: Claims must be verified by an independent or accredited body before they can be used.- Transparency and accountability
It must be clear which aspect of a product or company the claim pertains to, what the reference is, what the method is, and periodic review of the claim may be required.
The industry is already making the necessary preparations, and ClimateCalc will implement changes to the ClimateCalc logo in its next update. The Carbon Print-Score® is also an important development for ensuring that a claim is backed by the correct information, evidence, verification, and justification of the methodology.
Would you like help or support in complying with these laws and regulations?
Would you like to get started on your own but aren’t sure where to begin? Or would you like an expert to review your work to ensure you’re doing it right? At the Service Center, we’re happy to help you get started. If you have questions about how we can help you comply with this legislation and new requirements, please fill out the form and we’ll contact you with no obligation.
Do you want to comply with this new legislation and these requirements?
Please contact me for more information.