Simexco Dak Lak: First to Fulfil EUDR Requirements with 4C Certification

Simexco Dak Lak has become the first company to comply with the requirements of the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) using 4C certification. The EUDR aims to curb global deforestation by ensuring that commodities imported into the EU do not contribute to deforestation or forest degradation. This regulation, effective from the end of 2024 onwards, requires companies to demonstrate that their supply chains are free from deforestation and maintain detailed records of their sourcing practices. Additionally, companies must comply with national laws, international conventions, such as the International Labour Organization (ILO) core conventions, and the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, including the principle of Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC).

EUDR Overview

The EUDR was enacted to combat global deforestation. By enforcing stringent measures, the EUDR seeks to ensure that agricultural commodities, including coffee, cocoa, soy, and palm oil, entering the EU market are not associated with deforestation or forest degradation. Companies must prove that their supply chains are deforestation-free through comprehensive traceability systems, polygons and geo-coordinates to prove that their operations are in line with local legal regulations. This involves maintaining detailed records of the origin of their products and providing evidence that these sources comply with sustainable land use practices. Non-compliance can lead to severe penalties on the operator, the trader importing the respective commodity to or exporting from the EU, including fines and import bans, underscoring the EU’s commitment to environmental protection.

Simexco Dak Lak’s Commitment

Simexco Dak Lak, founded in 1993, has a history of pioneering efforts in sustainable coffee production. Over the years, the company has grown to become a leading coffee exporter in Vietnam. The company collaborates closely with local farmers, providing them with training and support to adopt sustainable practices that meet international standards.

To achieve compliance with EUDR, Simexco collected all the necessary data such as geo-coordinates and polygons required by the EUDR. These were checked by 4C and uploaded to the 4C Portal. In addition, they ran the legality self-assessment based on the 4C Code of Conduct, available open source on the 4C website and signed the attached self-declaration on legal production.

4C Certification: A Cornerstone of Success

Central to Simexco Dak Lak’s success is its 4C (Common Code for the Coffee Community) certification. The 4C certification is a globally recognized standard for sustainable coffee production, emphasizing economic viability, social responsibility, and environmental stewardship. This certification played a crucial role in helping Simexco Dak Lak meet EUDR requirements by providing a robust framework for sustainable practices.

The 4C certification ensures that coffee is produced in a manner that conserves biodiversity, reduces greenhouse gas emissions, and promotes fair working conditions, among other social, economic and environmental principles of good and recognized practices. For Simexco Dak Lak, adhering to 4C standards meant implementing comprehensive traceability systems, ensuring that all coffee production processes were transparent and verifiable. This certification validated the company’s sustainable practices and enhanced its credibility in the international arena.

Celebrating Success

The achievement was celebrated in a recent ceremony, underscoring Simexco Dak Lak’s role in the coffee industry. This milestone sets a benchmark for other companies in the region and highlights the importance of sustainable practices in ensuring long-term success and environmental protection. The company’s commitment to 4C standards demonstrates how certification can drive compliance with global regulations and promote a sustainable coffee sector.

For more details, visit the Simexco Dak Lak and VietnamPlus articles.