What is mixing and when is it allowed?

Last updated: October 17, 2025

Understanding product mixing under EUDR

Mixing refers to combining raw materials from different sources or suppliers into a single batch of product.

This can happen at any stage in the supply chain, for example:

  • A trader blending soy from multiple farms into one shipment

  • A processor combining cocoa beans from several regions

  • A manufacturer sourcing rubber from different plantations

Why mixing matters for EUDR

The EUDR requires that each product batch can be traced back to land that is:

  • Deforestation-free (after Dec 31, 2020)

  • Legally produced

  • Linked to clear geolocation data

If a batch is mixed, you must prove that all sources meet the EUDR standards. If just one part of the mix is non-compliant, the entire-batch will fail.

What is allowed and what is not

Here are the types of mixing and whether they are allowed under EUDR:

Type of Mixing

Description

EUDR Compliance

Identity Preserved

Each batch is kept fully separate and traceable to a single, specific farm or plot.

Passes

Segregated

Mixing is allowed only between verified deforestation-free sources. Batches remain separate from unknown or non-compliant material.

Passes

Mass Balance

Mixing compliant and non-compliant materials in the same supply chain, with 'average compliance' used

Fails

Unknown Origin

Product source cannot be fully traced back to specific plot of land

Fails

Examples:

Allowed:

A cocoa processor mixes beans from three farms. Each farm has geolocation data and has been verified as deforestation-free and legally operating. The batch is segregated, and full traceability is maintained.

Not Allowed:

A soy shipment contains beans from five sources. Four are traceable and compliant, but one source cannot provide exact plot data. The company uses a 'mass balance' method to offset this.