EU Green Deal Country Guides are comprehensive, country-specific compliance resources detailing the obligations imposed by key EU Green Deal regulations such as the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) under Regulation (EU) 2023/956 and the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) under Regulation (EU) 2023/1115. These guides clarify how geographic origin affects regulatory requirements, including carbon intensity benchmarks, risk classifications, and due diligence obligations for exporters and supply chains engaging with the EU market.
EU Green Deal Country Guides for Global Exporters and Compliance Officers
The EU Green Deal Country Guides section provides detailed, jurisdiction-specific information essential for companies exporting goods or raw materials to the European Union. Location matters critically because compliance requirements vary by country under EU regulations. For example, CBAM uses country-specific default carbon intensity values for embedded emissions in imported goods, while the EUDR benchmarks countries against deforestation risk to determine due diligence scrutiny levels.
This section is tailored for compliance officers, sustainability managers, and trade professionals who need precise, actionable guidance on how their country of operation or sourcing affects their EU Green Deal obligations. By consulting these guides, you will:
- Understand your country’s specific risk profile and regulatory thresholds
- Identify applicable deadlines and penalty risks for non-compliance
- Access step-by-step compliance checklists and documentation requirements
- Navigate the interplay between multiple EU Green Deal regulations by country
Each guide consolidates official EU legislation references, enforcement dates, and penalty figures to ensure you have a single, authoritative source for your compliance strategy.
Available Country Guides
The following table lists all currently available country guides organized by region. Each guide covers:
- CBAM carbon intensity default values or reporting requirements
- EUDR risk classification and due diligence obligations
- Specific compliance deadlines and enforcement notes
- Links to relevant EU legislation and official guidance
| Region | Country | CBAM Default Carbon Intensity (kg CO₂e/unit) | EUDR Risk Classification | Next Compliance Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Africa | South Africa | 1.85 (steel) | Medium Risk | 1 January 2026 |
| Africa | Morocco | 1.65 (steel) | Low Risk | 1 January 2026 |
| Asia | China | 2.10 (steel) | High Risk | 1 January 2026 |
| Asia | India | 1.95 (steel) | High Risk | 1 January 2026 |
| Latin America | Brazil | 1.70 (steel) | High Risk | 1 January 2026 |
| Middle East | Turkey | 1.80 (steel) | Medium Risk | 1 January 2026 |
For a full list of countries and detailed metrics, please visit the individual country guide pages linked below.
Why Location Matters for EU Green Deal Compliance
The Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) requires importers to report embedded emissions in certain goods such as steel, cement, and fertilizers. When direct emissions data is unavailable, the EU applies default carbon intensity values based on the exporting country’s average production emissions. This means exporters from high-emission countries face higher compliance costs and must prepare for stricter reporting and potential financial adjustments.
Similarly, the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) classifies countries as low, medium, or high risk based on deforestation rates and governance indicators. This classification determines the level of due diligence required from companies sourcing commodities like soy, palm oil, and beef. High-risk countries trigger more rigorous supply chain transparency and documentation demands, increasing administrative burden and potential liability.
Understanding your country’s classification and default values is critical to avoid penalties, which can reach up to 5% of global annual turnover under Regulation (EU) 2023/1115 for EUDR violations, and up to 4% of turnover under Regulation (EU) 2023/956 for CBAM non-compliance.
Key Country Guides to Start With
- South Africa Green Deal Compliance Guide
- China EU Green Deal Compliance Guide
- Brazil Deforestation and CBAM Compliance Guide
- Turkey EU Green Deal Compliance Guide
These guides provide the most comprehensive data and are frequently updated to reflect regulatory changes and enforcement developments.
Truth Anchor: Under Regulation (EU) 2023/956, the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism will be fully enforced starting 1 January 2026, with penalties of up to 4% of global annual turnover for non-compliance. Similarly, Regulation (EU) 2023/1115 on deforestation due diligence applies from 31 December 2025 with fines up to 5% of global turnover. These deadlines are legally binding and enforced by EU Member States’ customs and market surveillance authorities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my country’s carbon intensity default value matter for CBAM?
The default carbon intensity value determines the baseline emissions assigned to your exported goods when you cannot provide verified emissions data. Higher default values increase your CBAM payment obligations, directly impacting your cost to access the EU market.
How does the EUDR risk classification affect my supply chain due diligence?
If your country is classified as high risk, you must perform enhanced due diligence, including obtaining satellite data, third-party verification, and detailed supply chain documentation to prove deforestation-free sourcing.
What are the penalties for non-compliance with EU Green Deal regulations by country?
Penalties vary by regulation but can reach up to 4% of global turnover for CBAM violations and 5% of global turnover for EUDR breaches. These fines are imposed by EU customs and market authorities and can include import restrictions.
Where can I find the official EU legislation texts referenced in these guides?
All legislation is linked via EUR-Lex identifiers within each country guide, such as Regulation (EU) 2023/956 for CBAM and Regulation (EU) 2023/1115 for EUDR.
Ready to assess your country-specific EU Green Deal compliance requirements? Use our Country Compliance Checker Tool to receive a tailored report. When you click, you will input your country and product details to instantly identify applicable regulations, deadlines, and penalty risks, enabling you to prioritize compliance actions effectively.