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deciduous and coniferous-deciduous forests in the south of
the Far Eastern Federal District. Since July 2012, the export of
certain types of coniferous species has been regulated by tariff
quotas allocated on the basis of licenses issued by the Ministry
of Industry and Trade. With the correct license exporters pay a
reduced rate of customs duty – from 80 percent to between 13
and 15 per cent. This makes the export of timber economically
attractive to criminals. Commonly used ploys to avoid tariffs
include misrepresenting the actual amount, grade and value
of wood and falsifying declarations (claiming a consignment
of illegally harvested species contains species that have been
legally obtained).
This report reveals the scale of illegal logging in Russia based
on the best available, most up-to-date, expert data. It is hoped
that governments will take note and take action.
Peter Harris
GRID-Arendal Managing Director