Starting from September 1, 2026, a number of significant changes in forestry will come into force in Russia.

Starting from September 1, 2026, a number of significant changes in forestry will come into force in Russia.

    On September 1, 2026, large-scale changes in forestry, enshrined in the Forest Code and by-laws, will come into force in Russia. The innovations will affect forest roads, sanitary safety, forest seed production, recreational activities, agriculture in forests, plant care, forest pathology surveys and the construction of linear facilities. The law on forest management reform with a new approach to logging will enter into force on September 1, 2027.

Forest roads: divided into two types

    The Forest Code will have a new chapter on forest roads, which will be divided into two types.:

• - Forestry: intended for the conservation of forests and forest management.
• - Timber transportation: for timber removal and logistics.

Important: the existing roads will retain the status of "forest", their retraining is not provided.

Sanitary safety in forests

    New sanitary safety regulations have been approved (Resolution No. 652). Major changes:

•     - Preventive measures can be carried out both in dead and weakened forests.
• - Cross-lane logging in spruce and fir plantations is prohibited.
•     The rules are valid until September 1, 2032.
•     Violations are subject to liability under Article 8.31 of the Administrative Code of the Russian Federation.

Forest seed production

    With the introduction of a new chapter on forest seed production in the Forest Code:

•     - The regulations for seed certification have been fixed.
•     - Seeds must meet established quality standards.
•     - The use of planting material without confirmed quality indicators is prohibited.
•     - The use of molecular genetic methods for monitoring is allowed.

Farming in the forest

    New rules for the use of forests for agriculture:

•     - The rights and obligations of citizens and organizations have been clarified.
• - Pollution and deterioration of the sanitary condition of forests are prohibited.
•     - The order of haymaking, grazing and beekeeping has been determined.
•     - Some types of activities can be carried out without renting a plot.

Forest maintenance

    Starting from September 1, new rules for forest care will be introduced, which will replace those in force since 2020. The care includes:

•     - logging;
•     - update;
•     - reformation;
•     - reconstruction of plantings.

The measures are mandatory for all forest users.

Forest pathology examinations

    The new order of examinations includes:

•     - Abolition of the strict standard for the minimum allotment area (0.1 ha).
•     - The appointment of measures taking into account individual damaged trees.
• - Stricter requirements for photo fixation.

Construction of linear objects

    New rules have been established for the use of forests for the construction of linear objects (roads, power lines, etc.), valid until September 1, 2032.

Logging for infrastructure: forest management reform

    The State Duma has adopted a law on the reform of forestry, which changes the approach to logging for construction. Instead of a ban on continuous logging, the right to "clear forest stands" is being introduced. Most of the provisions of the law will come into force on September 1, 2027, which is important to take into account when planning.

Key changes from September 1, 2026:

Importance for forest users and tenants

    The new rules introduce additional requirements and at the same time clarify the rights of forest users.:

• - Forest roads: A clear division into forestry and forest transportation roads, regulation of construction and maintenance.
• - Sanitary safety: New restrictions on logging in spruce and fir forests, increased responsibility.
• - Forest seed production: Mandatory certification of seeds, a ban on the use of low-quality planting material.
• - Recreation: The possibility of building facilities, but with restrictions on the area and a ban on logging.
• - Agriculture: Simplification of some types of activities (without rent), but with a ban on pollution.
• - Forest care: Mandatory measures for all forest users.
• - Forest pathology: Stricter requirements for surveys and photofixation.
• - Linear items: New rules until 2032.
• - Logging for infrastructure: The transition from "prohibition" to "clearing" is a new legal mechanism starting in 2027.

Result

    Starting from September 1, 2026, Russian forestry enters a new phase of regulation. The changes cover almost all aspects of forest management, from roads and seed production to recreation and sanitary safety. For timber companies and tenants, this means the need to review internal procedures, strengthen quality control of seed and planting materials, as well as readiness for new requirements for forest care and forest pathology examinations.

    Special attention should be paid to the law on forest management reform, which will enter into force in September 2027. It changes the approach to logging for infrastructure, introducing the concept of "clearing of forest plantations" instead of a ban on continuous logging. This opens up new possibilities, but requires a thorough legal and technical rethink.

Tags: #Russia #forest law #Forest code #forest roads #sanitary safety #forestry #recreation #agriculture #forest management