19 March 2024 marked the beginning of the public consultation period for the draft IFCC-EUDR standard. The proposed standard, developed by the Indonesian Forestry Certification Cooperation (IFCC), aims to address the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) that importers demonstrate that goods are not coming from deforested areas.
The standard includes requirements for supply chain traceability, as well as management system requirements for implementing a raw material traceability process within the supply chain. It relates to cattle, cocoa, coffee, palm oil, rubber, soya and wood.
The consultation period, open until 19 April 2024, invites stakeholders to contribute their feedback towards refining the proposed standard. A launch event in Bogor, Indonesia saw the attendance of industry leaders, government officials, and accreditation experts committed to shaping a sustainable future.
Dr. Emanuele Riva, Chair of the International Accreditation Forum (IAF), delivered a thought-provoking presentation on the integral role of accredited certification in upholding the highest standards of quality and integrity. Dr. Riva outlined the various levels of organization within accreditation, emphasizing the importance of bodies such as IAF and the European co-operation for Accreditation (EA) in driving consistency and reliability across industries.
Joining Dr. Riva were esteemed speakers including Associate Professor Dr. Dradjad Wibowo, founder of IFCC. Dr. Wibowo underscored the imperative of embracing change as a catalyst for progress, cautioning against stagnation in the face of evolving global challenges. He noted that despite the challenges and risks facing exporting countries following its introduction, EUDR also presents significant market opportunities for these countries.
The event featured a keynote address by Drs. Suhanto, Secretary General of Indonesia’s Ministry of Trade. Secretary General Suhanto reiterated the Indonesian government’s support for IFCC’s initiative. The initiative helps enshrine Indonesia’s preparedness to meet EUDR requirements.
Ms Henriette Faergemann, First Counsellor for Environment, Climate Action and ICT at the European Union Delegation to Indonesia, further underscored the collaborative efforts between nations and organizations to combat deforestation and promote sustainable practices.
The IFCC-EUDR public consultation will serve as a pivotal platform for dialogue and collaboration, establishing the framework for collective action towards safeguarding our forests and preserving the integrity of global supply chains. For more information and to participate in the consultation, please visit https://www.ifcc-ksk.org/information/news-and-media/news/national-news/1229-konsultasi-publik-draft-standar-ifcc-eudr.html
