What is the European Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) and how will it affect your business?

Background and scope

As a major economy and consumer of commodities, the EU wishes to reduce its environmental impact by promoting ‘deforestation-free’ products. It therefore developed Regulation (EU) 2023/1115 on deforestation-free products (also known as EUDR) to guarantee that the products EU citizens consume, do not contribute to deforestation or forest degradation worldwide.

The EUDR covers 7 commodities and some of their derived products. Wood is one of the 7 commodities in scope, which means that pulp, paper, board, but also printed products are included. Consequently, for security printing, items such as postage and excise stamps, certificates and paper-based identity documents fall under the scope of the EUDR as well.

As the representative of the European printing industry, Intergraf[1] closely monitors these developments, offering regular updates and practical guidelines to the industry. Additionally, Intergraf constantly advocates for the industry's best interests towards the European Institutions.

Objectives and obligations of EUDR

The new rules aim to avoid that the listed products Europeans buy, use, and consume contribute to deforestation and forest degradation in the EU and globally, and at the same time reduce carbon emissions caused by EU consumption and production of the relevant commodities by at least 32 million metric tonnes a year.

Relevant products in scope, including paper, board, and printed products, shall not be placed, or made available on the European market or exported, unless they are deforestation-free. To prove this, these products must be compliant with EUDR and covered by a due diligence statement.

The EUDR impacts both EU printers and non-EU printers who deliver to the EU market. EU printers will have to comply with the EUDR, not only when importing paper/board from third countries but also when using paper/board originating from the EU. EU printers not only have obligations when placing printed products on the EU market, but also when exporting printed products outside the EU. Non-EU printers who deliver to the EU market must provide the same level of detailed information on the origin of the paper/board to their EU customer, as the latter will have the obligation to exercise due diligence.

The due diligence obligation is one of the pivotal points of the EUDR: every company manufacturing or trading paper or printed products must ensure traceability back to the specific plot of land where the wood pulp fibres originated. The due diligence statement requires the collection of the exact geographic coordinates for each plot involved plus other information, documents and data which demonstrate that the relevant products are deforestation-free. The due diligence also includes risk assessment and risk mitigation measures. The obligations of the different actors along the value chain depends on their size, activity, and position in the value chain.

Implementation and timeline

The Regulation entered into force on 29 June 2023 and repeals the former EU Timber Regulation (EUTR). Under the EUDR, any operator or trader who places these commodities on the EU market, or exports from it, must be able to prove that the products do not originate from recently deforested land or have contributed to forest degradation. Operators and traders will have until 30 December 2025 to implement the new rules; micro and small enterprises are granted a longer adaptation period (30 June 2026), as well as other specific provisions.

While the legislation has been adopted, a lot of preparation is still required by all sectors impacted by the Regulation ahead of the deadline (December 2025) as implementing the EUDR requires a significant increase in administrative work for the affected companies.

To help our industry navigate these regulatory complexities, Intergraf has drafted a guidance document for its members (and their member companies). To receive it, please send a message to your national printing federation or lreynaud@intergraf.eu.

Sign up for Intergraf’s monthly Newsflash if you want to stay up to date on the developments of EUDR and other industry-relevant EU legislative initiatives.

[1] Intergraf represents the European printing industry, gathering 22 national printing federations in 21 countries in Europe. The printing industry provides jobs to more than 625,000 Europeans active in 112,000 companies and generates a turnover of approximately € 79.5 billion. The industry throughout Europe consists of small enterprises, as 90% of them employ fewer than 20 persons.

Roadmap for reducing carbon emissions in the printing industry

Background and roadmap

The European Green Deal set the ambitious objective of transforming Europe into "the world's first climate-neutral continent" by 2050. At its core lies the commitment to mitigate climate change through comprehensive policy initiatives and collaborative efforts. All sectors are called upon to collectively contribute to reducing emissions and every facet of the economy will need to undergo transformational changes to align with the overarching climate goals. So is the (European) printing industry which has a long history of complying with environmental restrictions and legislation.

Legislation at both the European and national levels will increasingly require the assessment of carbon footprints for products and processes, as well as environmentally conscious decision-making. In addition to these regulatory demands, there is a rising trend of customer preference for products with strong carbon credentials.

Intergraf[1] has been working on recommendations for CO2 calculation in the graphic industry for close to 15 years and has more recently developed an approach to support printing companies and print buyers in their efforts to prioritise and reduce CO₂ emissions related to printed products in the most efficient way.

Methods, tools, and parameters

The Intergraf approach encompasses two crucial components: the Intergraf Recommendations on CO2 emissions calculation and the Intergraf Roadmap on CO2 calculation, reduction, and compensation in the printing industry. While the first provides a standard on what to take into consideration when calculating carbon emissions for our industry, the second offers a concrete procedure to printers as well as print buyers to categorise parameters that influence carbon emissions and to prioritise emission reduction measures.

The printing sector consists mostly of small or micro enterprises in need of a simple model which is easily applicable to their activities. Even though there are numerous tools available on the market to calculate the carbon footprint of a product or a company, the print industry disposes of their own practical calculation tools: www.climatecalc.eu & www.klima-druck.de. Both are based on the Intergraf Recommendations.

These were created by printing industry experts specifically for the printing industry and its products. Moreover, both tools can provide the calculations for the entire company or for a specific print product.

The Intergraf Recommendations point out 13 parameters to be included in the CO₂ calculation to cover minimum 95% of the emission within the defined scope. Furthermore, they categorise the 13 parameters into site relevant parameters related to the printing company and product relevant parameters related to the design of the printed product. The categorisation into parameters related to the printing company and the design of the printed product is essential for the prioritisation of the activities for the reduction and compensation in the life cycle of the printed product.

In addition to being industry-specific, the Intergraf Recommendations represent a neutral and credible approach as they cover the 3 scopes of the Greenhouse Gas Protocol. Scope 1 encompasses all direct emissions, while Scope 2 addresses indirect emissions associated with energy consumption. Scope 3 includes all other indirect emissions throughout the supply chain. In the printing industry, Scope 3 is particularly crucial for calculating the carbon footprint, as it accounts for over 70% of total emissions, with substrate production being the primary contributor.

The printer manages site-specific factors like minimising energy use, whereas the print buyer determines the design specifications, making them the key decision-maker for substrate choice. To effectively lower emissions, it is important for the printer and print buyer to engage in a collaborative dialogue.

The Intergraf Recommendations have received international recognition with their inclusion in the ISO 16759:2013 standard on the quantification and communication for calculating the carbon footprint of print media products.

In the Publishing 2030 Accelerator's CO2e emissions calculation for printed books, the International Publishers Association (IPA) acknowledges the Intergraf Recommendations as the preferred method for evaluating the carbon footprint associated with the printing process of a book.

Conclusions and way forward

The Intergraf Roadmap concludes that there are two main ways to reduce the carbon footprint in the printing sector: implement energy efficiency measures and optimise the substrate. Moreover, it demonstrates that both printers and print buyers are crucial in the carbon reduction strategy in the printing industry.

Looking ahead, Intergraf anticipates that the carbon footprint will remain a top priority in 2024 and the years to come. By actively promoting sustainable practices, working with international associations and partners, and offering valuable resources, Intergraf has earned recognition for its crucial role in advancing sustainability in the graphic industry and remains committed to fostering meaningful change in the printing sector.

In an era where sustainability is paramount, our industry shows its capacity to adapt, reinforcing its resilience and seizing new opportunities.

• For more details, feel free to visit https://www.intergraf.eu/policy/environment/carbon-footprint.

• Sign up for Intergraf’s monthly Newsflash if want to stay up to date on the European Green Deal and other industry-relevant EU legislative initiatives.

Sources:

2021_Intergraf recommendations on CO2 emissions calculation in the printing industryREV

202203_Intergraf_Roadmap_CarbonFootprint

202404_Brochure_Carbon footprint

https://www.intergraf.eu/images/pdf/ActivityReport_2024.pdf page 10

https://www.intergraf.eu/images/pdf/ActivityReport_2023_spread.pdf pages 13-14

[1] Intergraf represents the European printing industry, gathering 22 national printing federations in 21 countries in Europe. The printing industry provides jobs to more than 625,000 Europeans active in 112,000 companies and generates a turnover of approximately € 79.5 billion. The industry throughout Europe consists of small enterprises, as 90% of them employ fewer than 20 persons.

Impact of EES and ETIAS on the Identity Industry

Background

The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) estimated that the number of international tourist arrivals have reached a 56-fold increase over the last 70 years. The UNWTO states that Europe accounts for 50% of the world’s tourist arrivals, making it the most visited region in the world before the Covid-19 crisis. 

 The Schengen Area is a border-free zone currently consisting of 29 countries[1] and remains one of the European Union (EU)’s great success stories. The area guarantees freedom to travel without border controls at its internal borders as well as harmonised rules for external border checks. Borderless travel between 25 EU and four non-EU states (Iceland, Lichtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland) has transformed the offer of multi-country itineraries enjoyed by long-haul visitors in particular. There are also visa and document requirements for non-EU citizens visiting the Schengen Area for short-term tourism, family visits, business, or other purposes.

EES and ETIAS explained

To ensure consistent and reliable border control across the Schengen Area, the EU developed the Entry/Exit System (EES), a standardised digital system for registering non-EU travellers using biometric data. Originally set to launch in 2021, the EES faced delays due to technical and contractor challenges and is now scheduled for phased rollout starting in October 2025, alongside new tools for biometric checks.

The EES, along with the upcoming European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), is part of a broader strategy to strengthen the Schengen Area. These systems support the European Security Union and aim to enhance border management, combat cross-border crime, and contribute to the goals of the European agendas on Security and Migration.

The European agency eu-LISA is in charge of developing and managing the system, which supports EU border control, law enforcement, migration & asylum, and future judicial cooperation. For the shared Biometric Matching System (sBMS), eu-LISA selected Idemia[i] as the lead contractor.

EES

The Entry/Exit System (EES) is a new European Union automated IT border control system, impacting how both travellers and authorities manage border crossings and is part of the EU's broader effort to modernise and strengthen its external borders. The system will be used for registering third-country nationals (TCNs), both short-stay visa holders and visa exempt travellers, each time they cross an EU external border. It will enable a wider use of automated border control checks and self-service systems, which are quicker and more comfortable for the traveller. They will also help border agents flag security and compliance risks for those entering and exiting.

Who is affected?

Non-EU nationals travelling for a short stay to a European country using the EES.

Exemptions apply: see To whom does the EES not apply?

Travellers will be required to submit fingerprint and face biometrics on their first crossing of Schengen borders. These will be stored with additional personal data in the central EES system for up to 5 years; subsequent EES crossings will only require a  face or fingerprints biometric verification against enrolled biometric data. Self-service kiosks assist with the acquisition of biometric data during initial registration or upon re-entry, thereby reducing the workload at border control counters.

The EES will replace manual passport stamping, track entry refusals, and help prevent irregular migration. It will enhance security, streamline travel for legitimate third-country nationals, and improve the identification of overstayers—those who exceed the 90-day limit for short stays in the Schengen Area. The system will also more effectively detect document and identity fraud, while enabling real-time information sharing to ensure EU border authorities have accurate data when needed.

The future EU-EES will comprise of:

• Central Systems for the overall management including a computerised central database of biometric and alphanumeric data owned and managed by eu-LISA
• A National Uniform Interface and a Secure Communication Channel through which each country will exchange traveller movement information with the Central System, including the information systems already deployed (SIS, VIS, EURODAC etc.)
• A web portal for third country nationals (TCNs) to check their allowed duration of stay in the Schengen Area at any time
• An interface for carriers to verify whether the number of entries authorised by a visa

Biometric information will not be stored directly in the EU-EES Central System, but in a European automated matching system: the Shared Biometric Matching System (sBMS). This system will securely store the biometric information and will oversee travellers’ authentication and identification for all European border crossing points using its biometric search and matching capabilities.

Conditions for collecting and storing personal data in the EES are set out in Regulation (EU) 2017/2226 establishing the Entry/Exit System.

Soft Opening planned in October 2025

Rather than implementing the Entry/Exit System (EES) simultaneously at all external EU borders, the so-called "big bang" approach, a gradual rollout is now scheduled to begin in October 2025. This phased introduction will allow Member States to connect their border control points to the EES over several months.

During this period, initial traveller registration may be conducted temporarily without collecting biometric data. This soft launch will give national border authorities the flexibility to address any unforeseen issues with border control systems, national interfaces, or the central EES system, helping to minimise disruptions to the overall travel process.

Key challenges

• Privacy and data security: both companies and governments are focusing on ensuring that the vast amount of biometric data collected is securely stored and protected from potential cyber threats.
• Operational delays: travel infrastructures and especially airports, seaports and border authorities will need to adapt their control procedures. There is concern about potential delays at border crossings, particularly during the initial phase of implementation. Efforts are being made to streamline processes to minimise these delays.

Overall, the preparation for the EES involves significant investment in technology, training, and public communication to ensure a smooth transition to this new border management system. The traveller experience is central to the solution, but it is also necessary to consider the needs of the other stakeholders: border control authorities and facility operators such as airports. 

ETIAS

About six months after the full implementation of the EES, the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) will be introduced. Similar to the Australian ETA and US ESTA, ETIAS is a travel authorisation for non-EU citizens who do not need a visa to enter the Schengen Area.

Under the ‘90-day rule,’ non-EU nationals can stay up to 90 days within a 180-day period in Schengen countries without a visa. However, after ETIAS is implemented, they will need to apply for a €7 travel authorisation. This change adds a mandatory application process but does not alter the 90-day stay limit. It is hoped that the visa waiver will help improve the detection of human trafficking, particularly in the case of minors, and help tackle cross-border criminal activity.

How long does it take to apply for the ETIAS visa waiver?

The process will be mostly automated and should take no more than 10 minutes to complete. An applicant will need to provide passport details, travel information, and answer basic security questions. The visa waiver will be issued within minutes of payment, but travellers are advised to apply at least 72 hours before they need it, just in case of any delays.

Once the application has been approved, the electronic travel authorisation will be electronically linked to the traveller’s passport and will last for three years for an unlimited number of entries. After three years, the ETIAS visa waiver process will need to be repeated for further travel in the EU.

What steps should those in the affected sectors take?

To keep pace with evolving digital regulations, businesses in impacted sectors must adjust to the growing digitisation of processes—particularly in areas like border management. Entry bans can significantly disrupt both travel and business operations, making proactive planning essential.

Frequent travellers to the Schengen Area should remain informed about changing requirements, such as the ETIAS application and rules for tracking travel days in ETIAS-participating countries. Accurately calculating these days and understanding related obligations is critical.

Ensuring that data submitted to authorities matches the traveller’s actual information is vital. While access to this data is currently limited to immigration, visa, law enforcement, and border control agencies, other bodies, such as tax and social security authorities, may be granted access in the future. Leveraging technology to track travel dates, organise important documents, and set alerts for document expirations can enhance compliance and minimise potential risks.

Technology must be precise, and it is essential to establish how to measure biometric quality. However, accuracy and quality are not the only critical factors. We must also prioritise data protection, compliance with regulations, and the safeguards in place. Equally important are the procedures to follow, as well as training that demonstrates how the technology works—clarifying what it can and cannot do, and what it is permitted to do.

 It is important to find a balance between the rapid pace of technological advancement and the time needed to fully understand and adapt to these changes and associated risks. We must ensure there's sufficient time to regulate what needs to be regulated.

    Javier Galbally, R&I Engineer, eu-LISA

For the foreseeable future, physical ID documents are here to stay. They incorporate various security features, like watermarks and holographic images, which currently do not yet have a counterpart in the virtual world. Moreover, there is still a lack of national IT infrastructures to support the widespread adoption of digital identities, as well as a lack of international standards for their global implementation. As a result, the passport—our primary identity document—will continue to exist in its current form for the time being.

The future could be biometric

The European Union's pilot project for biometric corridors at airports offers a glimpse into a future without physical passports. In this scenario, passengers check in online before arriving at the airport. Instead of presenting their passport at a traditional border checkpoint, they walk through a biometric corridor, where advanced camera systems verify their identity by matching their pre-registered passport and biometric data with the information stored in a database and passenger manifest.

Ideally, the process is seamless, enabling travellers to pass through security without even realising a check is taking place. All relevant passenger information is sent directly to the border authorities at the destination, eliminating the need for additional checks upon arrival and ensuring a smoother, more efficient and enjoyable travel experience.

[1] 29 Countries are in the Schengen Area – Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland.

Sources

• Entry/Exit System factsheet
• Technical study on Smart Borders – final report
• Executive Summary of the Impact Assessment Accompanying the EES Regulation
• Smart Borders Pilot Project - Report on the technical conclusions of the Pilot
• https://travel-europe.europa.eu/key-differences-between-etias-and-ees-2023-06-06
• https://www.fragomen.com/insights/preparing-your-business-for-upcoming-schengen-area-developments-considerations-and-action-items.html
• https://www.businesstravelnewseurope.com/QA/Getting-to-grips-with-increasingly-digitalised-borders
• https://home-affairs.ec.europa.eu/policies/schengen-borders-and-visa/smart-borders/entry-exit-system_en
• https://travel-europe.europa.eu/ees_en
• https://regulaforensics.com/news/42-percent-of-companies-ready-to-adopt-digital-id/?utm_source=linkedin&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=post&utm_content=05222024
• https://www.biometricupdate.com/202408/eu-biometric-entry-exit-system-launch-date-confirmed-for-november-10
• https://www.biometricupdate.com/202410/eus-ees-delayed-again-border-crossings-still-lack-equipment
• https://www.biometricupdate.com/202411/imars-conference-reveals-details-on-the-ees-pre-enrollment-app
• https://www.biometricupdate.com/202412/eu-announces-phased-approach-for-ees
• https://aviationweek.com/air-transport/digital-ids-transform-future-passenger-travel-experience
• https://dig.watch/updates/eu-set-to-implement-entry-exit-system-for-border-control
• https://www.biometricupdate.com/202503/eu-council-sets-out-progressive-launch-of-landmark-ees-biometric-border-management-system
• https://identityweek.net/ees-will-intensify-travel-rules-from-october-whilst-impact-on-etias-delay-prompts-fraud-warnings/
• https://idtechwire.com/id-talk-eu-lisa-ri-engineer-javier-galbally-talks-biometrics-privacy-and-the-ees/
• https://www.idemia.com/our-vision-eu-entryexit-system
• Frank Steffens, Product Management, secunet Security Networks AG

[i] Idemia’s five key recommendations for effective border control

• Optimise border guard efficiency: implement self-service desks, automated biometric eGates, and operational supervision tools to enable border guards to focus on high-value tasks

• Ensure reliable biometric data: collect and verify biometric data in diverse border environments by working only with top-tier, NIST-certified suppliers.

• Leverage data for risk analysis: use Advanced Passenger Information (API) and Passenger Name Record (PNR) data to analyse travel risks ahead of arrival. Integrating this with visa, ETIAS, and national interest lists enhances border security insights.

• Tailor solutions to border needs: adapt solutions to each border's unique requirements, considering differences between air, land, and sea borders. Member States must deploy varied verification equipment to meet specific demands.

• Guarantee data security and privacy: ensure GDPR-compliant systems that secure biometric and personal data throughout its lifecycle, including robust access controls, user privilege management, and encryption.

A new format of communication

Every 18 months, Intergraf Currency+Identity organises an international conference and exhibition for currency and identity experts in different European locations to share insights, innovations, and ideas. The event has been successful in reuniting the right people in one place and provides a neutral platform for industry players and end-customers worldwide to meet, be informed, inform and to cultivate business connections.

To further foster common interests and boost exchange during the months in between its events, Intergraf has looked into activities to deliver engaging coverage of industry trends to its global community and to broaden understanding and insight into the fundamental issues shaping the world of currency and identity. Intergraf therefore decided to transition from its former printed + online magazine Infosecura to a modern online format, tailored to meet the dynamic needs and trends of today's audience.

The result is Noted. a digital space reflective of the ever-changing media landscape going beyond the limitations of quarterly updates. We aspire to provide timely and engaging content that resonates with our audience's interests and preferences.

Noted. is not about publishing breaking news, but rather about providing context and presenting short articles that delve into topics significant to our community. Intergraf reaches out to industry enthusiasts to dive deeper into certain topics and share knowledge with our community.

Noted. targets seasoned currency and identity professionals ranging from central bank, government and law enforcement representatives to security printers and their suppliers. We strive to equitably cover currency and identity topics relevant to both industries.

Come along on our journey as we transition to this new dynamic format, reshaping the way we engage with our industries, while redefining our approach to deliver fresh content and insights to our audience.

Impact of EES and ETIAS on the Identity Industry

International travel to Europe is entering a new digital era, and the identity industry must keep pace. With the introduction of EES and ETIAS, the EU is transforming border management to enhance security, streamline entry, and improve the traveller experience. But with progress come challenges. Read the full article to explore what this means for travellers, authorities, and the identity sector.

Read more

Roadmap for reducing carbon emissions in the printing industry

The European Green Deal set the ambitious objective of transforming Europe into "the world's first climate-neutral continent" by 2050. At its core lies the commitment to mitigate climate change through comprehensive policy initiatives and collaborative efforts.

Read more

What is the EUDR and how will it affect your business?

As a major economy and consumer of commodities, the EU wishes to reduce its environmental impact by promoting ‘deforestation-free’ products. It therefore developed Regulation (EU) 2023/1115 on deforestation-free products (also known as EUDR) to guarantee that the products EU citizens consume, do not contribute to deforestation or forest degradation worldwide.

Read more

Interested in co-creating content with us? Please contact mvanderveur@intergraf.eu to discuss your options.