When does the EUDR start to apply to plywood imports?
The EU Deforestation Regulation applies from 30 December 2026 for large and medium companies, according to the European Commission. Micro and small companies already covered by the old EU Timber Regulation face the same start date. A container that sails from Vietnam in December reaches Europe after that date, so the paperwork for January arrivals belongs in the order now.
What does customs need to release a timber shipment under the EUDR?
From 30 December, the import declaration has to quote the reference number of the importer's due diligence statement. Wood Central reports that the Commission's customs guidance pairs that reference with a new code, C716, and a shipment without it will not be released. The statement itself is an online declaration that the wood did not come from recently deforested land, backed by the GPS location of the harvest plots.
Who files the due diligence statement on a Vinawood order?
The importer that first places the timber on the EU market files the statement under its own operator number, because the rule puts that duty on the company bringing the goods in. Vinawood prepares the evidence for each EU shipment as one pack, with the harvest plots as a map file and the legality papers behind it. You start the filing from that organised file instead of a folder of attachments.
Why are European buyers ordering more plywood from Vietnam?
EU duties on Chinese hardwood plywood sent many importers looking for other hardwood sources, and Vietnamese mills could answer from a domestic base of planted acacia and eucalyptus. ITTO's market report shows EU and UK plywood imports from Vietnam rising steeply in the first half of 2026. The pickup is about where panels come from, since EU building activity is still below last year.
Where does Vietnamese film-faced plywood fit next to birch panels?
Birch film-faced panels stay the first choice for many rental fleets, and with birch mills busy and prices firm there is room for a second panel. Vietnamese film-faced plywood in the European 1250 × 2500 mm size fits slab and wall jobs that do not need the top grade. Match the EN 636 class and reuse rating to the job before comparing landed cost.
How should buyers plan freight for loads arriving in early 2027?
Asia to Europe container rates turned up in mid-October after weeks of decline, so budget a Hai Phong load at or above the Drewry Shanghai benchmark for your destination port. Ask the forwarder whether the vessel routes through Suez, since more Suez transits are adding space on the lane. Book December sailings with the EUDR roles written into the order so the January arrival can clear on time.
