How to find a wooden hanger supplier meet EUDR requirements?
The European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) aims to prevent products linked to deforestation and forest degradation from entering the EU market. From 1st Jan. 2025, all wooden products entering EU market must meet EUDR. Retailers looking to comply with EUDR requirements must carefully select their whole sale wooden hanger suppliers who align with these regulations.
Here are some suggestions for retailers:
First, check whether your OEM/ODM wooden hanger supplier is familiar with the regulation. Does the supplier know whether their products are covered? Can he/she explain definitions of deforestation and forest degradation? And what is the supplier’s obligations for due diligence? This step can eliminate those who has no knowledge about the basic things of EUDR.
Second, you may conduct supplier assessments for the hanger manufacturer: assess potential suppliers based on their sourcing practices, sustainability policies, and commitment to preventing deforestation. This may include reviewing their certifications, audits, and sustainability reports. You can also ask suppliers for documentation that demonstrates compliance with EUDR requirements, such as proof of sustainable sourcing (e.g., FSC for timber), traceability systems, and environmental impact assessments. Always ensure that the certifications are current and valid, and don’t forget to check the certification bodies' credibility.
Besides above, if your organization is able to do supplier audit by internal teams, please do so. Or you may ask help from a 3rd party to do it for you. This will ensure all the things declared by supplier is true and the wooden hanger exporter is reliable under EUDR.
One more thing to notice is when negotiating contracts with suppliers, include clauses that require compliance with EUDR. You can also define penalties or consequences for suppliers that fail to meet EUDR requirements, ensuring accountability.
If you have the team to offer training and resources to suppliers to help them understand EUDR requirements and improve their sustainability practices, this is very helpful. Best practices of supplier can be shared among your supply chain so both factories and you will benefit from this.
After your wooden hanger partner is fixed, the responsibility doesn’t ends. As an wooden hanger importer for EU market, you should stay informed about any changes to EUDR regulations and continuously monitor suppliers' compliance with EUDR requirements and their sustainability practices. This can include periodic reviews and updates to supplier assessments.
While doing so much for environment, your effort should be seen by consumers. Why not keep transparent about the whole process to your customers? This not only helps protect the environment but also enhances the retailer's reputation and aligns with consumer expectations for responsible sourcing.