Business insists on mandatory revision of the draft law "On the timber market"
Today, October 22, in the Verkhovna Rada it is planned to consider the sectoral draft law "On the timber market" No. 4197-d. Experts of the European Business Association insist on its mandatory revision, taking into account business proposals.
This was reported by the press service of the Association.
“Business has long been talking about the importance of adopting a comprehensive bill that would introduce effective mechanisms for regulating the timber market,” the message says.
It is noted that in the updated version of the bill "On the timber market" 4197-d, some important proposals from the business were taken into account. In particular, provisions have appeared that provide for a mechanism for the sale of timber on the basis of an offer in parity with auction auctions and the restructuring of state forestry enterprises by separating the woodworking divisions of state forestry enterprises.
At the same time, EBA experts insist on its mandatory revision, taking into account business proposals.
First, there must be a cascading principle of auction trading. According to experts, priority access to the resource should be provided to companies that have production facilities in Ukraine and process timber in Ukraine.
Secondly, it is necessary to significantly revise and simplify the rules regarding the administration of transactions with wood products. According to business, they are not only redundant but also inappropriate given the specifics of the market. Business sees it as inexpedient to declare transactions with wood products, but it would be worthwhile to focus on declaring the harvesting and sale (resale) of wood.
Thirdly, the list of wood products requiring a certificate of origin should be revised and products that are not products of primary wood processing should be excluded.
It is noted that the association continues to develop proposals for the wording of the bill, which will be submitted additionally.
“So, the business expects that in the process of further revision of the bill, comments and suggestions from the professional community will be taken into account and is ready to provide its expert support in order to develop a document that would systematically solve the problems of the industry and give an impetus for its development,” the association noted.