EUDR Third Country Audit Requirements
Legal Framework
Authority Basis
Article 18(2)(e) of the Regulation provides EU Member States' Competent Authorities with the power to conduct field audits in third countries, subject to specific conditions.
Audit Requirements
Field audits in third countries require:
- Agreement from the third country
- Cooperation with administrative authorities
- Compliance with local procedures
Compliance Assessment
Non-Compliance Procedures
When products are deemed potentially non-compliant or non-compliant:
- No requirement to consult producing countries
- Independent assessment authority maintained
- Direct enforcement powers preserved
Administrative Cooperation
Field audit implementation requires:
- Third country agreement
- Administrative authority cooperation
- Procedural alignment
- Jurisdictional respect
Practical Implementation
Audit Process
Field audits must be:
- Agreed through proper channels
- Conducted with local cooperation
- Implemented according to regulation
- Documented appropriately
Assessment Independence
Competent Authorities maintain:
- Independent assessment capability
- Direct enforcement authority
- Non-consultation option
- Compliance determination power
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can EU authorities conduct field audits in third countries?
A: Yes, but only with agreement through cooperation with the third country's administrative authorities.
Q: Is third country consultation required for non-compliance assessments?
A: No, authorities don't need to consult producing countries when assessing potential non-compliance.
Q: What legal provision allows for field audits?
A: Article 18(2)(e) of the Regulation provides this authority.
Q: Must third countries agree to field audits?
A: Yes, audits require cooperation with the third country's administrative authorities.