Rosleskhoz has prepared a concept for new rules for calculating timber fees.

Rosleskhoz has presented conceptual proposals for changing the procedure for calculating fees for the use of forest plots. The framework bill has already been submitted to the Ministry of Natural Resources, according to Deputy Minister Vyacheslav Spirenkov.

Currently, rental fees depend on the plot area or the volume of harvested timber and are adjusted based on the distance to the nearest road, based on cartographic data. The new mechanism will combine both approaches and be supplemented by distance adjustment factors calculated based on actual access to transport infrastructure.

The updated Federal State Information System (FGIS LK) will enable the implementation of this system. By 2026, it is planned to include information on all forest roads, which will make it possible to account for actual, rather than nominal, distances.

After the concept is approved by the Ministry of Natural Resources, the agency will begin developing specific rates and coefficients, which will vary depending on the region, timber type, and management conditions.

Before formulating the proposals, Rosleskhoz analyzed the ratio of rental rates to the market value of timber. The difference across regions ranges from 30 to 300 times, which, according to the agency, creates an unequal playing field for industry participants.

According to the agency's calculations, the share of rental fees in the cost of timber today is 3-6%, while transportation and production costs have a key impact on the economics of forest management.