Rubber Board to Mitigate Impact of EU's Deforestation Regulation on Exports

The Rubber Board is taking steps to ensure that the European Union's Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), effective from December 31, 2024, does not negatively impact India's rubber exports. The new EU law requires rubber products to be produced without harming the environment. India is actively addressing these requirements to sustain exports.

The Rubber Board announced proactive measures to safeguard India's rubber exports from potential adverse effects of the European Union's Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), which comes into effect on December 31, 2024. The EUDR mandates that rubber products exported to the EU must be produced without environmental harm.

M Vasanthagesan, Executive Director of the Rubber Board, emphasized the country's efforts to adapt to the requirements of the EUDR. The Indian Institute of Plantation Management has conducted a study on the regulation's impact, and the Rubber Board is in the process of securing a service provider to assist the rubber plantation sector in meeting these new standards.

Vasanthagesan also highlighted challenges faced by the sector, including weather-related disruptions that have resulted in reduced tapping days and production losses. Simultaneously, a growing demand for natural rubber from the buoyant automobile industry has increased pressure on domestic supplies.

(With inputs from agencies.)