The forestry industry practice group at CLS provides advice on all major issues for European and Asian producers and importers of forest products, and the issues that are of importance to the business and to potential investors.

CLS has developed expertise on the following industry issues, among others:

• compliance of forest leases with the requirements of the Russian Forestry Code
• procedures to extend forest leases
• qualification of a forest project as a priority investment project which is allowed a number of important advantages under Russian law
• regional legislation to facilitate investment projects
• appeals against bureaucratic interference in a forest project
• customs issues in the forestry industry
• the regulatory requirements for transporting logs
• permits required for wood cutting
• health and safety issues
• exports of products, including restrictions and taxes
• compliance with Russian environmental laws and the certification of wood