1 week ago
EUDR Compliance Threatens India’s Coffee and Rubber Growers
A new European Union rule will require coffee and rubber sellers to show where their products came from.
They must also prove that the products were made legally and without causing deforestation.
The United Planters Association of Southern India says this could be difficult for many small Indian growers.
Some growers may not have computers, accurate land records or money to complete the required checks.
If they cannot follow the rules, they could lose access to international buyers.
UPASI wants the Indian government and industry groups to help growers with technology, paperwork and training.
It also wants the European Union to apply the rule in a practical and fair way.
The association separately warned that rising tea imports could hurt Indian tea producers.
UPASI says the European Union Deforestation Regulation will create major compliance challenges for Indian coffee and rubber growers.
The regulation requires traceability, geolocation, legal-production evidence and proof that products are deforestation-free.
UPASI says small and fragmented growers may lack digital access, accurate land records and resources for compliance.
The association urged the Indian government to seek practical implementation and provide financial, technical and institutional support.
UPASI also warned that Indian tea imports rose 50.6% to an estimated 15.06 million kg during January-June 2026.
- Who
- The United Planters Association of Southern India and its president, Ajoy Thipaiah, representing concerns of Indian plantation growers.
- What
- UPASI warned that the European Union Deforestation Regulation could burden coffee and rubber growers and urged government action.
- Where
- At the UPASI conference in Coonoor, India, concerning exports to the European Union.
- When
- The warning was issued at UPASI’s 133rd annual conference, published on September 23, 2026; the EUDR is expected to take effect by the end of 2026.
- Why
- Compliance may require costly traceability, geolocation, legal-production documentation and deforestation-free evidence that small growers may struggle to provide.
Grower Concerns
European Union Objectives
Purpose and impact of the regulation
Grower Concerns
UPASI says the EUDR functions more like a non-tariff trade barrier and could penalize genuine growers, reduce market access and threaten livelihoods.
European Union Objectives
The European Union says the regulation is intended to prevent deforestation and promote sustainable supply chains.
Compliance requirements
Grower Concerns
UPASI says meeting traceability and geolocation requirements across thousands of small, fragmented holdings could impose substantial costs and exclude growers lacking digital tools or accurate land records.
European Union Objectives
The EUDR requires detailed evidence that products are legally produced and deforestation-free before entering the relevant supply chains.
Implementation approach
Grower Concerns
UPASI wants practical, proportionate and non-discriminatory implementation, along with government assistance and transitional arrangements.
European Union Objectives
The regulation is proceeding after earlier deferments, according to UPASI, with enforcement expected by the end of 2026.
Key facts
- Organization
- United Planters Association of Southern India (UPASI)
- Regulation
- European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR)
- Affected sectors
- Indian coffee and rubber growers
- Required evidence
- Traceability, geolocation, legality of production and deforestation-free status
- Tea import increase
- 50.6% during January-June 2026 compared with the corresponding period of 2025
- Estimated tea imports
- 15.06 million kg during January-June 2026
- Requested support
- Financial assistance, technical support, capacity building and transitional mechanisms
Quotes
Ajoy Thipaiah
President of the United Planters Association of Southern India
“The immediate need is, therefore, for a coordinated national response. Government agencies, the Coffee Board, the Rubber Board, State Governments, industry associations and growers must work together to create reliable traceability systems, simplify documentation, support geolocation and provide affordable compliance services.”
thehindubusinessline.com
“Although imports declined during 2025, they witnessed a sharp resurgence in 2026, increasing by 50.6% to an estimated 15.06 million kg (January-June 2026), compared with the corresponding period of the previous year.”
thehindubusinessline.com
Sources
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