Mr. Trabert, when you heard that the European Union Deforestation Regulation was postponed, did you breathe a sigh of relief and relax?<\/strong> How much does it affect FST?<\/strong> In addition to natural rubber, the new EU rules also apply to other materials we use: wood, paper and palm oil. Wood and paper are used for packaging and pallets, for example, while palm-oil spray is applied in some of our production.<\/p>\n\n\n\n What exactly does FST have to do to comply with this law?<\/strong> In the second step, we must integrate these DDS numbers into our SAP master data and supply-chain processes. This ensures that shipments clear customs without delay and that we can respond quickly to customer inquiries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n That sounds like a big task. How are you handling it?<\/strong> What are your current challenges?<\/strong> Thank you very much for the interesting insights, Mr. Trabert.<\/strong><\/p>\n
Yes and no. It takes some of the pressure off, but we can\u2019t just relax. The processes are complex and the requirements haven\u2019t changed. We\u2019re using the extra time to set up stable processes and train everyone involved. The delay is no reason to slow down \u2013 on the contrary: We want to be as well-prepared as possible before the regulation takes effect.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Actually, quite strongly \u2013 even if we process comparatively little natural rubber. The regulation applies to several thousand items, including kits and multi-component parts from the Industrial Services and Corteco divisions. The customs tariff codes are broadly defined and cover natural rubber, rubber blends, non-vulcanized rubber, as well as seals and rubber-metal parts made of soft rubber. But FST mainly processes synthetic elastomers, which also fall into the same tariff category but are irrelevant for the EUDR. So far, the negative import certification and communication with the customers have been very time-consuming.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/sw.fst.com\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Bild14_03Sep2025_BO2I2193-1160x1599.jpg\")
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Our first task is to classify all imports and exports according to EUDR-relevant customs tariff codes. For any affected products, we must obtain due-diligence statements (DDS) from our suppliers. These confirm that the goods were produced without deforestation. The statements are uploaded into the EU\u2019s information system and assigned a DDS number. Alternatively, we get the number directly from the supplier. The goal is to ensure seamless traceability throughout the supply chain. This makes the EUDR far more than a sustainability initiative \u2013 it is a compliance factor with direct impact on the supply chain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We\u2019ve set up a team of experts and are working closely with colleagues from Purchasing, Material Development, Import\/Export, Supply Chain Management, Sales, Compliance and the lead centers. FST doesn\u2019t purchase all materials centrally; the lead centers also place their own orders, which makes this more complex. We\u2019re providing training, sharing information, and have a detailed roadmap that lays out our next steps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are a few technical hurdles and areas of uncertainty. For example, the EU\u2019s system for registering DDS numbers is not yet fully operational \u2013 that was certainly one of the factors behind the postponement. Many things are currently in flux and we have to react flexibly to this. In addition, the European Commission has until May 2026 to propose simplifications. Only after that will the exact requirements be clear \u2013 and then the time until December 2026 will be short again.
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