Ukrainians may receive a “New Year’s” fine: what they will be punished for and how to avoid it

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Ukrainians may receive a fine for buying or selling a Christmas tree without documents confirming its legality. You will have to pay from 510 to 1,700 hryvnias.

The press service of the State Environmental Inspectorate reported on Facebook that by buying an illegal Christmas tree, Ukrainians risk:

• violating environmental legislation;
• receiving a fine from 510 to 1,700 hryvnias;
• facilitating illegal logging.

At the same time, the Code of Ukraine “On Administrative Offenses” determines fines for violations, in particular:

• violating the procedure for using the forest fund: for citizens – from 102 to 238 hryvnias, and for officials – from 170 to 272 hryvnias;
• illegal felling of trees or shrubs: for citizens – from 510 to 1,020 hryvnias, and for officials – from 2,550 to 5,100 hryvnias.
• Buying and selling Christmas trees without documents – a fine of 510 to 1,700 hryvnias with confiscation of the goods.

How to check a Christmas tree

A chip with a unique barcode must be installed on the cut of each Christmas tree, which confirms the origin of the tree from forestry and guarantees that the tree was harvested in compliance with legal requirements.

In addition, the seller must have documents confirming the legality of cutting down and selling Christmas trees.

It is also not a good idea to save a receipt or other document confirming payment, so it is better to buy a New Year tree at official Christmas tree markets.