Fines for taking wood from the forest: who is at risk of criminal liability.

According to inkorr.com: Many Ukrainians mistakenly believe that fallen trees or large branches due to bad weather can be taken directly

for firewood

. However, this is prohibited: all wood in the forest belongs to the state or the forest user, and it is not allowed to take it away without the appropriate permit. Lawyer Anastasia Rudenko explained this.

What can be collected in the forest

The law clearly defines what forest raw materials can be collected without a permit. Only small natural remnants that have no economic value are allowed to be collected:

• fallen leaves, needles, bark, small branches and twigs with a diameter of up to 3–5 cm

All other wood fragments, such as fallen trees, large branches, dead wood or windfall, are forest resources that can only be harvested by forestry enterprises within designated cuts.

Fines for illegal wood collection

If a person independently takes wood from the forest or plantation, this is considered illegal logging, which entails fines.

Administrative fines can range from:

• for Article 64 of the Code of Administrative Offenses – 102–238 UAH for individuals and 170–272 UAH for officials

• for Article 65 of the Code of Administrative Offenses – 510–1020 UAH for individuals and 2550–5100 UAH for officials

• for Article 65-1 of the Code of Administrative Offenses (plantations and forest belts) – 510–680 UAH for individuals and 1020–1530 UAH for officials

Criminal liability may also be imposed:

If the actions caused significant damage to forest management, the case will fall under Article 246 of the Criminal Code. In this case,

a fine

from 17 to 25.5 thousand UAH or restriction/imprisonment for up to three years is possible. In addition, the offender is obliged to compensate for the damage caused, which may exceed the amount of the fine itself.

Collecting firewood in plantations

Just like in the forest, it is prohibited to collect wood in all protective strips and other plantations without the appropriate permit. A necessary document from the authority that manages these plantings is required: the local council, community, forestry enterprise, or road service.

Legal ways to obtain firewood

The law prohibits independently taking firewood from the forest. There are two legal ways:

• buy firewood from 'Forests of Ukraine' or on the state service 'Firewood'

• obtain a logging ticket through the forestry enterprise.

Before independent harvesting, payment for the wood or service must be made, and an official ticket must be obtained — this is the only document that allows for legal logging.

Thus, legislation regarding timber collection in Ukraine strictly regulates these issues. In order to protect forest resources, it is important to adhere to the established rules and try to avoid illegal actions that may lead to fines or criminal liability. Be careful and remember: legal ways to obtain firewood not only preserve nature, but also your safety.