Deforestation
Check

The IFS Deforestation Check ascertains whether your company has defined and implemented the relevant due diligence processes to manage deforestation-specific risks in the supply chain in accordance with the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), (EU) 2023/1115. According to the EUDR, companies must implement a due diligence system to ensure their products are deforestation-free.

This involves tracing the origin of specific commodities to their source, evaluating and reducing risks of deforestation and illegal practices, and submitting a due diligence statement to the EU TRACES platform before market placement.

The IFS Deforestation Check aims to support you in complying with the regulation.

Benefits of the IFS Deforestation Check

Comply with deforestation regulations, specifically EUDR, and due diligence requirements.
Access the self-assessment easily online on various platforms of connected service providers in several languages.
Submit data easily, as the self-assessment is integrated into the IT workflow of international service providers with whom IFS partners.
Share the information with business partners and other stakeholders via the IFS Database.
Increase credibility with stakeholders with auditor-verified check results.

Streamline compliance. Support sustainable sourcing. Share verified data securely.

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How it works

The IFS Deforestation Check employs a two-step approach. First, your business completes an online self-assessment questionnaire that provides an initial indication of the implementation status of the relevant due diligence processes it has implemented. A coordinated scoring system facilitates automatic risk analysis, generating recommendations for subsequent actions. This may include a suggestion that, as a second step, an on-site or remote assessment conducted through certification bodies within the IFS Network is necessary to gain more comprehensive insights.

Workflow for the IFS Deforestation Check

Step 1 - The Self-Assessment

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A business partner wants you, as their supplier, to provide information about possible EUDR-related supply chain risks and asks for an IFS Deforestation Check.
Your business partner sends you a link to access the IFS Deforestation Check self-assessment questionnaire.
You can access the questionnaire on the IFS Database or an external service partner platform.
You complete the self-assessment questionnaire and submit it to IFS or a service partner.
The answers are automatically analysed and result in a score indicating the level of compliance with EUDR due diligence obligations.
Based on this result, your business partner or its service provider determines whether due diligence processes have been sufficiently implemented, if further follow-up steps are necessary and which measures would be appropriate.

Step 2 - The On-site or Remote Assessment

(Postponed until the EUDR has been clarified.)

One option for follow-up measures is that an on-site or remote IFS Deforestation Check assessment needs to be performed
In that case, you need to contact a certification body with independent auditors trained by IFS to perform the IFS Deforestation Check.
This assessment is based on product samples and evaluates the implementation of the due diligence management system, as well as conformance with product-specific due diligence processes, in greater depth.
The results will be documented, and the action plan indicates what needs to be done to achieve compliance.
You must follow up on the action plan, and the auditor will check your progress.
After achieving compliance, the certification body issues the final report, a letter of confirmation, and an approved action plan to you.
You can make the documents available to your stakeholders via the IFS Database.

IFS Partners for the Self-Assessment

IFS collaborated closely with service partners and retailers within our network to develop the Deforestation Check. Accordingly, suppliers have several options for submitting the self-assessment data. They can either use the self-assessment questionnaire through the IFS Database or use the platforms of other providers offering EUDR services. Business partners may indicate which platform they prefer for their suppliers.

IFS cooperates with:

ImpactBuying
osapiens

IFS Support

Self-Assessment Guidance

A comprehensive guidance document explains the workflow and lists the content of the self-assessment questionnaire, including examples of required evidence, which the company needs to have in place to support its answers. Download here.

Self-Assessment Questionnaire

The IFS Database is an option for completing and submitting the self-assessment. It allows for the intuitive entry of the required data, facilitates an efficient validation process, and is free of charge. For the registration process, download the fact sheet.

Database

As an assessed business, your company is visible to business partners and potential new customers in the IFS Database. You can share your data and stored documents relating to the check. Also, you can follow your suppliers and search for new ones. Login or contact us.

Industry E-Learning Course

Get familiar with EUDR requirements, learn how to evaluate your due diligence management system, and manage deforestation risks within your business or supply chain. This free course features user-friendly modules and practical examples, equipping you for self-assessment. Sign up for free.

News / Blog / Events

News 26.11.2025

The IFS Deforestation Check Self-assessment is now in the IFS Database

Following the introduction of the IFS Deforestation Check Self-assessment in September, IFS is pleased to announce that the questionnaire is now also available on the IFS Database. Completing the...

IFS launches Deforestation Check to ascertain EUDR compliance

Today, IFS announced the launch of the IFS Deforestation Check Self-assessment. This initiative is designed to help companies comply with the upcoming EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) due...

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