---
title: "Can Firewood Be Harvested Independently in 2026: Permits, Prohibitions, and Fines"
description: "With the arrival of cold weather in 2026, the issue of harvesting firewood in Ukraine requires strict compliance with the law. Unauthorized tree felling, collecting deadwood and fallen timber without permits carry administrative fines and criminal liability."
date: 2026-10-08T03:32:00.000Z
lang: en
url: https://xab.info/en/posts/can-firewood-be-harvested-independently-in-2026
tags: [firewood, ukraine, fines, ecology, law]
publisher: "XAB.info"
---

# Can Firewood Be Harvested Independently in 2026: Permits, Prohibitions, and Fines

![Firewood harvesting in the forest in 2026 rules and fines](https://xab.info/media/2026/10/08/mozhno-li-zagotavlivat-drova-samostoyatelno-v-2026-godu/mozhno-li-zagotavlivat-drova-samostoyatelno-v-2026-godu-1.webp)

## 🎯 Key Points

- Unauthorized forest logging and deadwood collection without a logging ticket are prohibited in 2026.
- Administrative fines for illegal harvesting range from 510 to 1020 hryvnias for citizens with mandatory damage compensation.
- A special procedure for collecting logging residues applies in combat regions under CMU Resolution No. 861.
- The legality of purchased firewood can be verified via the electronic LIAC system using the vehicle number.

With the onset of the cold season, the issue of harvesting firewood for private homeowners becomes especially relevant. However, in 2026, the current legislation of Ukraine establishes strict rules that exclude the possibility of uncontrolled forest logging or the appropriation of deadwood for personal needs without prior execution of permitting documents. ### Legal Status of Forest Resources and the Ban on Self-Harvesting

The State Forest Resources Agency of Ukraine reminds citizens that they do not have the right to independently go into the forest with a saw or an ax to harvest timber. Although the law allows the free collection of wild grasses, berries, mushrooms, and nuts for personal consumption in forests, timber harvesting does not apply to such resources. Any use of the forest fund requires a special document—a logging ticket or forest ticket—issued by authorized bodies.

### The Myth of Deadwood and Fallen Trees

The widespread belief that a tree that has fallen from the wind or dried out can be freely taken from the forest is erroneous. The State Ecological Inspection emphasizes that a dead trunk or windthrow does not become "ownerless." The permanent forest user owns all the timber on the plot, including fallen branches and brushwood. An attempt to independently take such fallen wood is classified as an offense unless prior consent from the plot owner has been obtained.

### Administrative and Criminal Liability for Illegal Logging

Serious liability is provided for violating the rules of harvesting, transporting, or storing timber. According to Article 65 of the Code of Ukraine on Administrative Offenses (CUAO), fines for citizens range from 510 to 1020 hryvnias, and for officials—from 2550 to 5100 hryvnias. In addition, the violator is obliged to fully compensate for the damage caused to the environment. In cases where significant damage is caused or repeated violations in protected areas are concerned, criminal liability arises under Article 246 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine. ### Features of Firewood Harvesting in Frontline Regions and Legality Verification

For residents of territories where hostilities are or have been conducted, the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine by Resolution No. 861 provided a special procedure for the gratuitous collection of fuel wood. Such collection is possible exclusively under the control of the forest user, at established hours, and subject to safety measures. When buying firewood, experts recommend checking its origin through the specialized LIAC system by entering the vehicle license plate number to verify waybills.

## 🔍 Fact-Check Verification

- [Можно ли заготавливать дрова самостоятельно в 2026 году: разрешения, запреты и штрафы](https://styler.rbc.ua/ukr/useful/chi-mozhna-zagotovlyati-drova-samostiyno-1791384956.html) - Основной источник информации о правилах заготовки дров в 2026 году.
- [Штрафы до 34 000 грн: что можно собирать в лесу и когда наказывают за заготовку дров](https://focus.ua/economics/762536-zagotovka-drov-chto-razresheno-sobirat-v-lesu-bez-shtrafa-v-2026-godu) - Детализирует размеры штрафов и правовой статус лесных сборов.
- [Дрова в лесу и на обочине: можно ли собирать и какие штрафы за нарушение](https://glavred.info/dim/drova-v-lesu-i-na-obochine-mozhno-li-sobirat-i-kakie-shtrafy-za-narushenie-10692770.html) - Подтверждает запрет на самостоятельный сбор сухостоя без разрешения.
- [Юрист Жаров: Заготовка дров без разрешения уголовно наказуема](https://life.ru/p/1739477) - Общая правовая практика, применимая к смежным юрисдикциям.

## ❓ FAQ

### Q: Can fallen branches and deadwood be collected in the forest without a permit?
**A:** No, the mere fact that a tree has dried out or fallen does not make it ownerless. Taking deadwood and fallen timber without the consent of the forest user is prohibited.

### Q: What fine threatens for illegal firewood harvesting in Ukraine?
**A:** For citizens, the administrative fine under Article 65 of the CUAO ranges from 510 to 1020 hryvnias, plus compensation for environmental damage. In severe cases, criminal liability applies.

### Q: How to check the legality of purchased timber?
**A:** The legality of transportation and origin of firewood can be checked via the LIAC system by entering the vehicle registration number to cross-check waybills.