No fines for missing firewood documentation if it is bought legally, says MP

Source: National Telethon

Ukrainian lamwakers are stepping in to clarify on new firewood collection and storage guidelines after reports claimes people can be fined or even sent to prison over a stock of deadwood that has no certification or documents that prove their origin.

MP Anna Skorokhod said that fines for lacking documentation on firewood won’t apply to those who have purchased it legally, adding that the key concern is the “legality of obtaining the wood”.

“It’s about whether the firewood was obtained legally. If you bought it officially and have paperwork, you won’t face any problems. But if you just went and cut it in the forest, that’s not okay,” Skorokhod said.

She explained that illegal logging cases have shot up as it is often disguised as support for the Ukrainian Armed Forces.  Some loggers fell more trees for personal profit. making excuses timber is going to meet the military needs.

“A lot of extra trees are being cut under the same [timber passport] tags, and they’re often sold at a discount without proper documentation, since they’re harvested illegally,” said Skorokhod, adding the new policy will help to fight illegal logging.