Ukraine to revise restrictions on raw timber exports in view of association deal with EU

The Ministry for Development of Economy, Trade, and Agriculture will review the existing restrictions on raw timber exports from Ukraine, taking into account the provisions of the Ukraine-EU Association Agreement.

That's according to a statement released by the ministry's press service.

Read alsoParliament passes bill on inventory of Ukrainian forestsThe report says on December 11, the Arbitration Panel published its decision in the case initiated by the EU against Ukraine's temporary ban on raw timber export. The Panel recognized that Ukraine had introduced export restrictions in good faith due to the need to protect valuable and rare tree species, that they comply with obligations within the WTO, and do not violate obligations under the Association Agreement.

"The Arbitration Panel supported Ukraine's position that timber is a finite resource, while emphasizing that the established restrictions on timber exports from 2015 should be adjusted in cooperation with the EU, taking into account the provisions of the Association Agreement. Now the economy ministry is analyzing the decision in detail to determine further steps and coordination of implementation terms," the statement said.

Memo

In April 2015, the Verkhovna Rada adopted amendments to the law the sale and export of timber (regarding a moratorium on the export of raw timber and lumber).

The law introduced a 10-year moratorium on the export of these products beyond Ukraine's customs territory.