Alternatives to Authorized Representatives for EUDR: Providers, Prices & Duties

• EUDR Art. 6 allows non-EU companies to appoint an EU representative.
• Representatives submit due diligence statements but are not liable for errors.
• Many small and downstream companies have been exempt since 2025.
• Published prices range from €150 to €1,190/year (as of Oct 2026).
• REP27 offers EU-wide representation from €290/year, designation within 24h.
• Decision matrix and checklist assist with self-assessment.

Updated 23 October 2026 · 13 sources checked

Providers compared

Prices as published on each provider's website on 23 October 2026, excluding VAT unless stated. Each row links to its source.

What Does the Law Require? (EUDR Art. 6, 2025/2650)

The EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR, Regulation (EU) 2023/1115, last amended by 2025/2650) requires certain non-EU companies to appoint an authorized representative established in the EU. According to Article 6, this representative can submit due diligence statements on behalf of the operator or trader in the EU information system. The obligation applies to companies placing affected raw materials or products (e.g., timber, cocoa, coffee, soy, palm oil, cattle, rubber and their derivatives) on the EU market for the first time or exporting them from the EU.

• Representative must be established in the EU (Art. 2(22) EUDR)
• Mandate must be granted in writing
• Representative submits statements, retains documents for 5 years, receives official correspondence (Art. 6 EUDR)
• Liability always remains with the operator (Art. 6(5) EUDR)

Following the 2025 amendment (Reg. (EU) 2025/2650), the obligation to submit due diligence statements was lifted or simplified for many downstream and micro-enterprises. Only the primary operator (the first to place the goods on the EU market) and exporters remain obliged. Micro and small enterprises have an extended deadline until 30.06.2027. The obligation does not apply to companies that exclusively purchase from other downstream operators.

Key duties at a glance:

• Before import/export: submit due diligence statement in the information system
• Provide geocoordinates, risk assessment, and evidence
• Pass reference number along the supply chain
• Keep all documents for 5 years

Source: FAQ-UPDATE-5th-Iteration

How to Choose the Right Provider? Practical Criteria and Comparison

Choosing the right EUDR representative depends on several factors: price, scope of services, response time, verifiability, and experience with regulatory requirements. Not every provider covers all EUDR requirements – many specialize in other product areas like GPSR, and EUDR details are often available only on request.

• Price: Published prices (Oct 2026) range from €150/year (Westwood Sourcing) to €1,190/year (Cert‑Rep). Monthly models (e.g., AuraDPP, EUDR Vault) offer flexibility.
• Scope of services: Check if submission of due diligence statements, document retention, correspondence with authorities, and a verifiable certificate are included.
• Response time: REP27 guarantees designation within 24 hours. Other providers do not specify.
• Verifiability: A publicly verifiable certificate with QR code (like REP27) can be crucial for audits and business partners.
• Support and additional services: SaaS platforms like EUDR Vault offer digital management, audit trail, and support – especially helpful for complex supply chains.

Comparison table (scope of services):

Important: Actual EUDR competence and scope of services should be confirmed in writing before contract conclusion.

What Is Included in the Price? Where Are Hidden Costs?

Published prices (October 2026) vary widely. The cheapest providers (Westwood Sourcing: €150/year) usually offer basic services, while premium providers (Cert‑Rep: €1,190/year) cover larger product volumes and possibly more support. SaaS solutions like EUDR Vault offer digital extras but no classic representation.

• Included in the price: Submission of due diligence statement, correspondence with authorities, document retention (usually 5 years), possibly certificate.
• Not included: Performing actual due diligence (geodata collection, risk assessment, risk mitigation), liability assumption, translations, express services, complex supply chains. Many providers do not specify.
• Additional costs: May apply for extra product types, per submission, translations, express processing, or official inquiries. Usually available only on request.

Example overview:

Tip: Ask about hidden fees, cancellation periods, and additional services before signing a contract.

How Does the Appointment Process Work? Step-by-Step Guide

Appointing an authorized representative under EUDR is a clearly structured process. Key steps:

1. Self-assessment: Use the decision matrix to check if your company is still obliged to submit after the 2025 EUDR amendment.
2. Provider selection: Compare providers by price, scope, and verifiability.
3. Contract conclusion: Sign a written mandate agreement with the chosen representative. The mandate must explicitly cover submission in the EU information system.
4. Data preparation: Collect all data required for the due diligence statement: geocoordinates of production sites, legality evidence, risk assessment, and possibly risk mitigation.
5. Data transmission: Send the data to the representative. Data quality and completeness are your responsibility.
6. Submission: The representative submits the due diligence statement in the EU information system and receives a reference number.
7. Forwarding: You pass the reference number to your customers/supply chain.
8. Archiving: Keep all relevant documents for at least 5 years.

Checklist for today:

1. Am I still obliged to submit under EUDR? (see matrix)
2. Do I have all required supplier data and geocoordinates?
3. Is my mandate written and correctly formulated?
4. Does my representative know the current EUDR requirements?
5. Have I checked costs, cancellation periods, and additional services?

Careful preparation saves time and costs – especially for complex supply chains.

Risks, Fines, and What Providers Often Don’t Say

Liability for the accuracy of the due diligence statement always remains with the operator, even if a representative is appointed. Incorrect, incomplete, or missing statements can lead to substantial fines. Penalties are set by member states and proportional to environmental damage and product value. Possible sanctions include:

• Fines
• Confiscation of goods
• Exclusion from public contracts

What providers often do not disclose:

• No liability assumption: No provider assumes liability for incorrect data or late submissions. Responsibility always remains with the operator.
• Cancellation periods: Contract durations and cancellation terms are often not transparently published. Clarify beforehand.
• Additional fees: Many providers do not publish details on extra costs (e.g., translations, express processing, additional product types, or official inquiries). Usually available only on request.
• Scope of services: Actual performance of due diligence (e.g., geodata collection, risk assessment) is never included and must be done by the operator.

Important: A representative is not insurance against fines. Compliance with EUDR is always your responsibility.

Decision Matrix: Who Needs What?

EUDR obligations vary by company size, supply chain position, location, and business model. The following matrix helps with self-assessment:

Example: A US company delivering chocolate directly to EU traders needs a representative. A small German furniture retailer buying only from EU suppliers does not need one.

Three Realistic Scenarios: Who Must Do What?

• US SaaS provider without physical goods movement: No EUDR obligation as no affected raw materials/products. No representative needed.
• Chinese Amazon seller delivering goods directly to EU customers: Must check EUDR obligations. If direct delivery: EU representative required. If Amazon acts as importer: often no obligation. Recommendation: clarify who acts as importer.
• British online shop exporting furniture to the EU: As primary operator, EUDR obligation from 30.12.2026. Needs EU representative, due diligence statement, reference number for supply chain. Steps: collect data, choose representative, conclude mandate, submit statement.

Additional case: A small Brazilian company selling cocoa to an EU importer does not need a representative as long as the EU importer is the primary operator and submits the statement.

These examples show: obligation depends on supply chain, location, and distribution channel. Always check current legal status and your position in the chain.