In theory it’s from China, in reality it’s from Moscow – how sanctioned Russian timber keeps flowing into Czech Republic

First published in Deník N.

According to findings by Deník N, Russian timber on which the European Union imposed sanctions because of the invasion of Ukraine continues to flow into the Czech Republic. It often masquerades as goods imported from China. Czech authorities are aware of the problem and are investigating some companies.

At the end of last year, Prague authorities received a warning from the Baltic region: according to this alert, Czech companies were still importing timber of Russian origin into the country on a large scale. It was said to concern mainly Siberian larch, which grows primarily in the Russian part of Siberia.

Yet imports of timber from Russia have been under sanctions in the European Union since 2022. Revenues from its sale can help finance Russia’s war against Ukraine.

Tracing Russian timber is not easy.