When is a point sufficient and when must I provide a polygon?

A single point is not sufficient above four hectares

For plots up to and including four hectares used for the production of coffee, cocoa, wood, rubber, soy or palm oil, a single set of coordinates is sufficient: a longitude and latitude that designate the plot as a point. Once a plot is larger than four hectares, the Regulation requires a polygon: a series of coordinates that together describe the perimeter of the plot, with sufficient points to accurately represent the plot's shape. A single centre point is then not enough, as it does not establish the actual extent and location of the plot.

This threshold applies per plot, not per supplier or per shipment. If you purchase from multiple producers, you may therefore encounter a mix: some plots below four hectares with a point location, others above with a polygon. For cattle, the Regulation has its own implementation of this rule, which differs from the other commodities. The geolocation data resulting from this are part of the plot file and form the basis for the coordinates that are ultimately included in the due diligence statement and submitted to the EU information system for the deforestation regulation.

Where this threshold is established: Article 9 of the Regulation

The four-hectare threshold and the distinction between point and polygon follow from Article 9 of Regulation (EU) 2023/1115, which sets out the mandatory information for the due diligence statement. That article requires that geographic coordinates of sufficient accuracy be provided for each plot on which the relevant commodity was produced, and that for plots above four hectares polygons are needed to describe the perimeter. For the precise wording and the exceptions, including those for cattle, the text of the Regulation itself on EUR-Lex is the appropriate source.