Forestry, the European Way: Ukraine's Highest EU Timber Export Rating – What It Means for Industry and Business

Viktor Smal, Head of the State Forest Resources Agency of Ukraine

 

Ukrainians significantly underestimate the positive transformations that have occurred in the forestry industry over the past few years. Beyond actively moving towards European management practices, we are also gaining crucial international recognition.

The European Commission has published an updated list of countries categorized by risk level under the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). Ukraine has been granted the highest status of a low-risk country – the best possible assessment.

The EUDR, which comes into force for medium and large companies on January 1, 2026, mandates that products imported into the European Union must not contribute to deforestation or forest degradation. Countries are classified as low, standard, or high-risk. Low-risk status simplifies exports, attracts major market players like IKEA and JYSK, reduces regulatory burdens, and strengthens the competitiveness of domestic producers in the EU market.

What Does This Mean for Ukraine?

This low-risk status unlocks new opportunities for Ukrainian exporters of timber, furniture, and other wood products, easing their entry into the European market. Simultaneously, it promotes further reforms, transparency, and sustainable forest management.

Why Did the EU Grant Ukraine This Status?

Firstly, consider a surprising fact: the annual growth of forests in Ukraine significantly surpasses the volume of timber harvesting. In 2024, forest growth amounted to 35 million cubic meters of wood, while only 15 million cubic meters were harvested.

In contrast, European countries nearly fully utilize their annual forest growth. For instance, Germany harvested 95 million cubic meters out of 98 in 2024, and Poland used 38 million cubic meters out of 40.

The EU's decision also reflects trust in the digital transparency and traceability tools implemented in Ukraine's forestry industry, such as e-logging tickets, e-certificates, and e-timber waybills with photo verification.

Let's Explain These Tools.

The Electronic Logging Ticket has been successfully applied in forestry since November 2023. This primary authorization document initiates any logging operation, reducing bureaucracy and corruption, strengthening control, and ultimately preventing uncontrolled deforestation.

The Electronic Waybill is another step towards timber movement traceability. We've added mandatory photography of the log truck during loading. The vehicle is photographed from four angles, making it impossible to load one thing and transport another. This greatly facilitates the work of the State Forest Guard.

The Certificate of Origin of Timber is the fundamental document required for any wood export. Since December 2023, the State Forest Resources Agency has been issuing electronic certificates. To obtain one, applicants must submit proof of wood origin to the electronic system. If traceability cannot be ensured, the system will not approve the certificate.

Finally, Electronic Timber Accounting (ETA) is a system that monitors how much timber each forest user has harvested and sold.

We continue to reform the forest sector, gradually aligning it with European standards.