Russian ministry proposes to again expand list of checkpoints for forestry exports

MOSCOW. March 15 (Interfax) - The number of checkpoints through which forest products can be exported from Russia might be expanded again after being reduced dramatically at the start of the year.

The Industry and Trade Ministry has drafted a government resolution that proposes to allow "exports of lumber, pellets and briquettes, which are in-demand products in Denmark, Belgium, the UK, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands and Finland, through all possible checkpoints from the territory of the Russian Federaton to foreign countries," the ministry said.

It is expected that the measure would be in effect until April 1, 2023.

The resolution would not apply to products subject to the export ban on some types of goods and equipment that was imposed by government resolutions No. 311 and No. 312 issued on March 9, 2022.

The ministry said it drafted the latest resolution "in order to provide support to businesses that produce export-oriented products to find the most optimal transport solutions when delivering finished products to foreign counterparties in the required amounts and on time," and to increase the flexibility of logistics.

Russia updated the list of checkpoints through which timber and wood products can be exported at the start of the year and slashed their number to 69 from 97. Thirty-six checkpoints (11 for automobiles, seven for trains, one mixed and 17 marine checkpoints) were eliminated and eight were added (four automobile, three train and one marine). This decision was made to ensure "quality control over exports of forest products and stop overflows of some goods by others," the ministry said earlier.