In line with EU standards: Government launches pilot project to control the origin of exported timber

The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine has adopted a decision to prevent deforestation and forest degradation in accordance with European requirements. The relevant resolution “On the implementation of a pilot project to introduce European Union laws on preventing deforestation and forest degradation” was adopted on November 28 at a regular meeting. The document was prepared by the Ministry of Economy, Environment and Agriculture and is aimed at meeting EU requirements for Ukrainian timber and timber products to access the European market.

This is the first step towards full harmonization of Ukrainian legislation with Regulation (EU) 2023/1115, which establishes requirements for confirming the legal and sustainable origin of wood products. Namely, that the harvesting of wood and the manufacture of wood products is legal and has not led to deforestation and forest degradation.

To implement the decision, the Government is launching a pilot project—an electronic exporter's office as part of the Unified State System for Electronic Timber Accounting.

Through it, companies will thus:

• verify the origin of timber;
• provide the geographical coordinates of harvesting sites;
• and generate the documents required for export to the EU.

This will make it possible to track timber from the place of harvesting to the moment of export and prevent illegally harvested raw materials from entering the market.

The decision also complies with Ukraine's European integration commitments in the field of forestry and sustainable management of natural resources.

What benefits will this bring to Ukraine?

• It will guarantee access for Ukrainian timber to the EU market.
• It will ensure full traceability of timber circulation.
• It will reduce corruption risks and the amount of illegal logging.
• It will contribute to forest conservation and sustainable forest management.

"This decision opens a direct path to the European market for Ukrainian producers. Thanks to the introduction of the electronic exporter's office, we will ensure full traceability of timber – from the harvesting site to the point of export. This means greater transparency, fewer corruption risks, and full compliance with EU rules on preventing deforestation. Ukrainian timber on the European market will not only be competitive, but also certified as legal and environmentally friendly," emphasized Taras Vysotsky, Deputy Minister of Economy, Environment, and Agriculture of Ukraine.

The pilot project will run for two years. Based on its results, the Ministry of Economy, Environment and Agriculture shall prepare a report and proposals for improving legislation to fully implement EU requirements.