TRACES (Trade Control and Expert System) is the European Commission’s digital platform used for managing sanitary and phytosanitary certifications and tracking the movement of animals, food, and plants within and into the EU.
In the context of the EUDR (EU Deforestation Regulation), TRACES will serve as the platform through which operators and traders submit due diligence statements. These statements are required to prove that the relevant commodities (like soy, palm oil, cattle, cocoa, coffee, timber, and rubber) are:
Deforestation-free
Legally produced, and
Traceable back to the plot of land of production.
The use of TRACES ensures a centralized, transparent system for monitoring compliance with EUDR requirements, helping the EU enforce environmental and human rights standards in global supply chains.
See documentation from the EU: EUDR TRACES User Guide
How to register on TRACES
Step-by-step Guide
Create an account on https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/tracesnt/login
When accessing the platform for the first time, you will be requested to select a Role in the system. As a company that needs to submit DDS you need to select “Operator”
The system will redirect you to a search page, which will enable you to search for your company. Select the “Country” and type the name of the company in the box “Search”. The fields “Section” and “Activity Type” are optional. Then click on “Search”:
If your company is already registered in EUDR: tick the small box on the right (you can select more than one company) and then click on the green button “Request authorisation”.
If your company is not yet registered in EUDR: you can create it by clicking on the green button “+ Create a new operator”
In the operator screen that appears, please type all the mandatory information required. The mandatory information is marked with a red star*.
The Operators EORI number should also be provided in the Box entitled “Operator Identifiers” in case the operator would import or export relevant products
Once your request is sent, your account will be automatically registered. Please log out and log back in to access the EUDR Platform homepage.
All your data will be displayed in your profile, where you can review your request. Once your role is valid, you will have access to EUDR Platform.
How to set up all information necessary for TRACES interaction
In addition to standard company information required for registration, EUDR operators and traders must also provide their EORI number.
What is an EORI number?
An EORI number (Economic Operators Registration and Identification number) is a unique identification number used by customs authorities throughout the European Union. Any business or individual that engages in international trade within the EU and undertakes import or export activities needs to obtain an EORI number.
While not a direct EUDR requirement, the EORI number is vital for companies to effectively fulfill their obligations under the regulation, particularly in terms of interacting with the designated EUDR information systems and generating Due Diligence Statements.