What does the EUDR mean for glove production?

The European Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) is fast approaching, and this has implications for products containing natural rubber. Starting December 30, 2026, new production batches placed on the EU market must fully comply with the new requirements.

This means new obligations, additional documentation, and a focus on inventory management. In this article, we’ll walk you through the most important implications and show you what you, as a professional, need to watch out for.

Why do latex gloves fall under the EUDR?

The EUDR focuses on raw materials with an increased risk of deforestation, and natural rubber is one of them. Because latex gloves are produced from this raw material, they fall under the same regulations.

The EU wants to ensure that rubber does not come from plantations established after December 31, 2020, by clearing forests. Therefore, companies must be able to demonstrate exactly where the rubber was harvested, whether the plantation is managed legally and sustainably, and whether there is no risk of deforestation. These obligations automatically apply to latex gloves placed on the market within the EU as well.

The EUDR Deadline: What You Need to Know

Starting December 30, 2026, gloves made of natural rubber may only be placed on the EU market if they comply with the EUDR.

Stock already present within the EU before this deadline may still be sold. However, for new production batches, it all depends on the date they were manufactured:

• Before 12/30/2026 within the EU = Exempt from the Due Diligence System (DDS)
• After 12/30/2026 within the EU = DDS mandatory

Smaller companies will receive an additional six-month transition period to get their administration in order. Therefore, it is wise to start strategically planning now in terms of procurement, inventory management, and communication with customers.

What must glove manufacturers provide starting in 2026?

Glove manufacturers must provide much more detailed information to comply with EUDR requirements. For every batch of gloves produced after the deadline, the supply chain must be fully transparent. This means that manufacturers must be able to demonstrate that:

✔ The rubber used comes from legal, non-deforested plantations

Producers must be able to demonstrate that the rubber comes from a plantation that has not been deforested or expanded through deforestation after December 31, 2020. Such proof includes, among other things:

• GPS coordinates of the plot
• Documentation regarding land use and property rights
• Evidence of sustainable production practices

✔ Production complies with local legislation

Including in the areas of:

• Working conditions
• Environmental and safety regulations
• Tax and trade rules

✔ A complete Due Diligence Statement (DDS) is available

It must include at least:

• The country of origin
• The exact plot coordinates
• The harvest date of the rubber
• A risk analysis of the supply chain
• A statement that there is no relevant risk of deforestation

This DDS must be registered in TRACES, the EU Deforestation Information System, and must be accessible to supply chain partners.

Need help?

Want to make sure you and your customers are ready for the EUDR requirements? We’d be happy to help you. Contact us today at T. +31 (0)181 47 50 00. Our enthusiastic team is ready to tell you more!