FGIS: A New Era for Russian Forestry Starts in 2025

Farewell, LesEGAIS! A Full Transition to FGIS Forest Complex from January 1, 2025

From January 1, 2025, the Federal State Information System of the Forest Complex (FGIS Forest Complex) will fully replace LesEGAIS as the only tool for maintaining the state forest registry across all regions of Russia.

This marks the end of outdated maps and incomplete data, ushering in a new era of digital forestry management. However, the transition has raised numerous questions, and Rosleskhoz (the Russian Federal Forestry Agency) has provided clarification on several key points.

What Is LesEGAIS and Why Is It Being Replaced?

LesEGAIS, the Unified State Automated Information System for Timber, has been a cornerstone of timber accounting in Russia. However, its limitations, including outdated infrastructure and insufficient integration, prompted the need for a more advanced platform.

The FGIS Forest Complex is designed to overcome these challenges by providing a unified and comprehensive solution for managing the state forest registry, tracking timber transactions, and ensuring better compliance with forestry regulations.

Key Updates Before the End of 2024

Rosleskhoz clarified that:

1. Data Migration: Information on timber transactions from LesEGAIS will be migrated to FGIS.
2. Active Contracts: Users must ensure that contracts continuing into 2025 are registered in FGIS.
3. Contract Details: Transitioning contracts can specify either the total contractual volume or the remaining volume of timber.

Important Deadlines:

From January 1, 2025, LesEGAIS will no longer be operational. Users are advised to submit at least one report in December to account for all transactions and timber volumes.

What Changes with FGIS Starting January 1, 2025?

In December 2024, Rosleskhoz recommends:

• Registering both ongoing contracts transitioning from LesEGAIS and new contracts starting in 2025.
• Specifying the total contractual volume for clearer accounting.

Support During the Transition

To ensure a seamless transition, Rosleskhoz has instructed regional authorities to establish dedicated support centers during the New Year holidays. These centers will address user concerns and provide technical assistance as FGIS is implemented nationwide.

Conclusion: A Milestone in Russian Forestry Digitalization

The transition from LesEGAIS to the FGIS Forest Complex is a significant step in modernizing Russia’s forestry industry. With a focus on digitalization and efficiency, FGIS aims to streamline operations and enhance transparency in timber accounting.

For businesses and stakeholders, timely preparation and adherence to the new guidelines are crucial to avoid disruptions.