National Vegetation Center warns against sale of local firewood and charcoal

The National Center for Vegetation Cover and Combating Desertification has urged the public to comply with the ban on selling, transporting, storing, promoting, or using local firewood and charcoal in food establishments, warning that violators will face penalties. The center also emphasized the need to obtain licenses for selling imported firewood and charcoal.

The center stated that these measures aim to protect and preserve the environment, prevent activities that harm vegetation areas, enhance sustainability, and regulate the firewood and charcoal market to meet demand in line with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.

According to the center, selling, transporting, or storing local firewood or charcoal is a violation subject to a fine of 5,000 riyals (SAR) per cubic meter or part thereof, as stipulated in the executive regulations for firewood collection. Selling, transporting, or storing imported firewood or charcoal without a license incurs a fine of 2,000 riyals after an initial warning. Using local firewood in commercial activities such as restaurants, kitchens, or bakeries carries a fine of 10,000 riyals per cubic meter or part thereof. Violations involving firewood or charcoal produced from tree cutting or pruning waste are subject to a 2,000 riyal fine after a first warning.

The center monitors and enforces these regulations across all regions through inspections of firewood and charcoal markets and commercial outlets, in cooperation with relevant authorities. Oversight activities include surprise visits, regular inspections, monitoring advertisements and promotions on social media and online platforms, and responding to reports received via the center’s unified hotline. The center also intensifies campaigns during peak demand seasons for firewood.