Rada introduces criminal liability for storing wood without documents

The Verkhovna Rada has introduced criminal liability for storing wood without documents.

This is stated in bill No. 9665 adopted by the parliament, the Ukrainian News agency reports.

The transportation, storage, sale of trees, shrubs or wood without documents confirming the legality of the origin of trees, shrubs or wood, or with such documents that are forged, obtained illegally or that contain knowingly false information committed in a significant amount, will be punished with a fine from UAH 34,000 to UAH 51,000 (2,000-3,000 non-taxable minimum incomes of citizens) or restriction of liberty for up to three years, or deprivation of liberty for the same term.

The same actions, committed repeatedly or with a prior conspiracy by a group of persons, or committed in a large amount, are punishable by a fine of UAH 170,000 to UAH 340,000 (10,000-20,000 non-taxable minimum incomes of citizens) or imprisonment for a term of five to seven years.

A significant size should be understood as the value of trees, shrubs or wood, which is more than 20 non-taxable minimum incomes of citizens (UAH 340), and a large size is more than 60 non-taxable minimum incomes of citizens (UAH 1,020).

Transportation, storage, sale of trees, shrubs or wood without documents confirming the legality of the origin of trees, shrubs or wood, or with such documents that are forged, obtained illegally or that contain known false information, shall be punished by a fine from UAH 510 to UAH 1,020 (30-60 non-taxable minimum incomes of citizens).

The same actions committed by a person who was subject to an administrative penalty for one of the violations during the year are punishable by a fine of UAH 1,300 to 1,500 (80-90 non-taxable minimum incomes of citizens).

The law was adopted by the Verkhovna Rada on October 10 in the second reading.

The next day, October 11, the law was handed over to the Speaker of the Parliament, Ruslan Stefanchuk, for his signature.

The Speaker of the Rada signed the law on October 15, the same day the law was sent to Zelenskyy for signature.

The law enters into force on the day following its publication.

As the Ukrainian News agency earlier reported, the law on increasing fines for picking mushrooms, nuts and berries in areas where it is prohibited has been sent to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for signature.