Ukraine is partially deregulating the forestry sector to increase the supply of industrial timber for domestic processing and defense-related needs. The government says the new package of decisions may provide an additional 1.5 million cubic meters of wood per year without expanding the overall logging area.
The changes shorten the approval period for sanitary logging from 14 to 10 days, simplify electronic logging tickets and change how timber from sanitary and care cuttings is counted against main-use limits. Officials argue that the sector was overregulated and that industry needs more predictable access to raw materials.
Market transparency and environmental balance
The government also plans to continue improving exchange mechanisms for timber sales. According to official data, 72% of timber is already sold through competitive mechanisms after buyer verification, while the average exchange price is around 3,247 hryvnias per cubic meter.
At the same time, the reform is sensitive. Environmental groups have long warned that sanitary cuttings can be misused as a cover for commercial logging. Authorities promise to align the next stage of regulation with the EU deforestation prevention framework, strengthening traceability and moving forestry closer to natural management principles.
