The mechanism for supporting forest industry enterprises in terms of timber procurement has been improved

Until January 1, 2027, forest users will no longer be restricted from harvesting underutilized annual estimated cuts in forestry areas. Now it will be possible to take into account the volume that was not harvested in the previous three years.

Previously, loggers could use the additional volume only on leased sites and only if at least 80% of the estimated cut was developed for the current year. At the same time, the total volume in forestry areas should not exceed the established estimated norm, which often made it impossible to exercise the right to cut the underutilized volume.

Alexey Abramov, Head of the Department for Supervision and Use of Forests for Timber Harvesting of the Federal Forestry Agency: “The mechanism for supporting forest industry enterprises in terms of timber harvesting has been improved. Forest users will have until January 1, 2027, the opportunity to exercise their right to harvest the volume of timber on the leased plot that was not used in previous years, even if the annual estimated felling area for the forestry is exceeded. It is important to note that this support measure will not lead to harvesting in excess of the established limit, since in fact there will be no overcutting, because the additional volume consists of what was not cut in previous years. That is, if you add up the estimated felling area for the forestry for four years, this amount will not be exceeded. In addition, as practice shows, the estimated felling area in the country as a whole is developed only by a quarter, which means that there cannot be harvesting in excess of the permitted limit. Forest industry companies have the opportunity to use the provided forest resource more efficiently. This will allow the forestry business to focus on the market demand for timber and manage the volume depending on demand.".

The introduction of the new mechanism will allow forestry companies to more effectively develop their forest raw material bases and exercise their legal rights without exceeding the established limits. At the same time, mandatory implementation of harvesting technologies and forest restoration work will remain a guarantee of the safety of Russian forests.