Firewood storage without documents: fine or jail: the bill was submitted to the president for signature

Draft Law 9665, passed by the Verkhovna Rada in October, has been submitted to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for his signature, according to which Ukrainians face a fine of tens of thousands of hryvnias and even up to 7 years in prison for storing firewood without documents.

Key provisions of the draft law

Draft Law 9665 aims to stop the illegal logging and sale of timber in Ukraine by increasing liability for the storage, transportation and sale of firewood if there are no documents confirming its origin.

The explanatory note states that illegal logging is a significant problem for Ukraine, which has a negative impact on the environment and the economy. The destruction of forest plantations important for biodiversity, ecological balance, parks and squares undermines the right of citizens to a clean and safe environment.

Penalties for violations

• Fine: from UAH 34,000 for the storage of firewood, the value of which does not exceed UAH 30,000.
• Imprisonment: 5 to 7 years if the value of the wood exceeds UAH 30,000.

In addition, the draft law introduces fines even for small volumes of wood (1 cubic metre or less) if the owners do not have documents to prove its origin.

The bill also provides for fines for haymaking, grazing, reed harvesting, and picking wild fruits, nuts, mushrooms, and berries in areas where it is prohibited or allowed only with forest tickets:

• Citizens: from 85 to 850 UAH.
• Officials: from 1700 to 5100 UAH.

Criticism of the draft law

Lawyers warn that increased liability for illegal logging and storage of wood could seriously affect rural residents, for whom firewood is the main fuel in winter.

The new requirements will affect not only illegal loggers, but also ordinary villagers who have purchased firewood without the necessary documents. In fact, almost all residents of rural areas, even those who have been collecting firewood on their own plots, may face criminal or administrative liability if they do not have the necessary documents.

The draft law, submitted to the Verkhovna Rada on 1 September 2023, was adopted on 10 October 2024. Its authors are mainly members of the Servant of the People party.

Once signed by the president, the law will come into force the day after its publication. The Cabinet of Ministers, as well as the relevant ministries and central executive authorities, will have two months to bring their regulations in line with the law.