Parliament approves million fines for wood storage: who will be affected by the new rules.

Ukraine introduces tough punishment for illegal timber operations

The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine on 10 October adopted bill No. 9665, known as the 'wood law', which significantly increases liability for illegal timber operations.

This was reported by journalist Irina Polyakova in her video review of 6 November 2024.

A completely new provision that appeared in the document caused a big resonance in society. It concerns the average Ukrainians who stock up on firewood every year to heat their homes.

According to the new law, for storing timber worth over 30,000 UAH without proper documentation, a fine of 34 to 51 thousand hryvnias or imprisonment for up to 3 years is provided. If the value of the discovered timber exceeds 90,000 UAH, the punishment is increased to a fine of 425,000 UAH or imprisonment for 5 to 7 years.

One of the authors of the law, MP Maxim Pavlyuk, clarifies that the owner of the timber is not at risk when storing up to 30 cubic meters of pine or 15 cubic meters of oak firewood for personal use.

Legislators assure that the punishment will only apply to 'black loggers'.

The law also provides for fines for unauthorized felling or damage to trees and shrubs, including even reeds. Harvesting hay, grazing livestock, and collecting wild fruits, mushrooms, and berries in prohibited areas can result in a fine of 850 UAH.