Thousands of hryvnias or years behind bars: how Ukraine penalizes illegal purchase and cutting of Christmas trees.

The State Environmental Inspectorate explained the circumstances under which an individual may face a fine, as opposed to those that could lead to criminal liability.

https://focus.ua/lifestyle/682496-kak-vybrat-elku-v-gosekoinspekcii-rasskazali-kak-izbezhat-shtrafov2024-12-07 08:04:14

The Christmas and New Year holidays are approaching. There are many festive preparations ahead, one of which is choosing a Christmas tree. However, it is important to be cautious in this matter, as in some cases, you could "end up spending a lot" and receive a fine. The State Environmental Inspection explained how to select a New Year’s tree and avoid penalties.

When purchasing a tree, you should only use the services of legal sellers in designated areas. Each tree should have an electronic chip with a barcode from the forestry department on its cut, confirming its legality. Otherwise, you will have to pay a fine even for buying such a tree.

Punishment for Illegal Purchase or Cutting of Trees

The Code of Ukraine on Administrative Offenses stipulates fines for the following types of violations:

Illegal cutting, damaging, and destruction of forest crops and saplings (Article 65 of the CAO) entails a fine: citizens will pay between 510 and 1020 UAH, and officials — from 2550 to 5100 UAH.
For the destruction or damage of green plantings, individual trees outside and within populated areas, not classified as forest land, or their illegal cutting (Article 153 of the CAO), citizens must pay from 170 to 510 UAH, while officials and individual entrepreneurs face fines from 510 to 850 UAH.

Administrative liability is also provided for violations of the procedure for acquiring or selling objects of the plant world (in this case, coniferous trees). In this case, citizens will pay from 30 to 100 non-taxable minimums (510-1700 UAH), and for actions within the nature reserve fund — from 100 to 215 non-taxable minimums (1700 — 3655 UAH).

Additionally, there is also criminal liability for committing the aforementioned actions. In particular, according to Article 246 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine, illegal cutting of trees or shrubs in forests, protective and other forest plantings, transportation, storage, and sale of illegally cut trees may result in imprisonment for up to 3 years, from 3 to 5 years, and in cases of severe consequences — from 5 to 7 years.

Previously, feng shui expert and astrologer BaZi Yulia Kuzmenchuk discussed the best places to set up a New Year’s tree in the Year of the Wooden Green Snake. The location for the tree should consider not only aesthetics but also the energy associated with the symbol of the year.