Forests Under Fire: Serbia Introduces Tough New Rules to Track Wood Origin!
Did you know Serbia is finally cracking down on illegal logging? Yes, you read that right! A new law on tracking the origin of wood is coming, promising a revolution in the fight against those stealing our forests.
What’s Changing?
The goal of the new law is to improve the legal framework and align Serbia with European standards for sustainable forest management. This means introducing a due diligence system, extra checks on both domestic and imported wood, and tougher penalties for illegal logging and trading.
Until now, Serbia had a system for logging permits and wood trade, but no obligation to apply due diligence for imports. The new law changes that — every piece of wood must have proof of legal origin.
Who’s Involved?
At a roundtable in Belgrade, forestry, agriculture, public enterprises like Srbijašume and Vojvodinašume, the Chamber of Commerce, and forestry inspectors all agreed it’s time for serious measures.
What About Businesses?
Don’t worry, the law won’t overburden local companies. Exporters will get documents protecting them abroad, proving their wood is clean and honest.
Electronic Declarations and Less Paperwork
It’s proposed that declarations of wood origin be issued only to those who really need them, and electronically. This will cut down on unnecessary paperwork and keep procedures simple.
Stricter Import Controls and Penalties
Special attention will be on controlling wood imports. There’s talk of banning companies that repeatedly break rules from importing for a while.
Call for Public Input
Forestry authorities are inviting citizens, businesses, and organizations to send their suggestions and comments in the coming weeks to make the law better and more practical.
Why Does This Matter?
Serbia is rich in forests, but illegal logging is a huge problem threatening nature and the economy. This law aims to stop those stealing our forests and protect nature for future generations.
Bonus: No More Bad Pellet!
With new regulations, the quality of pellets and briquettes on the Serbian market will be guaranteed. No more cheap, bad pellets that harm heating and the environment.
The Bottom Line
This law is a big step forward. Will it really stop illegal logging? We’ll see. But one thing’s clear — it’s time for change!
Got thoughts or wood-buying stories? Drop a comment below. Maybe together we can figure out how to save our forests!
Source: Blic, Ekspija