Key practical points:
• Forests are classified as protection, economic, timber, fuel, and special-use forests, each with its own rules.
• Felling trees generally requires a cutting permit, and volumes are subject to annual quotas set by the state.
• It establishes an ecological compensation (ecosystem services) system to support protection-forest areas.
• Clearing forests or encroaching on forest land is prohibited, and replanting after any licensed cutting is required.
• Ownership of forest trees and land is registered and confirmed with rights certificates.
• Illegal cutting, fires, or encroachment lead to fines, compensation, and possibly criminal liability.
Forest Law · Yalla China
中华人民共和国森林法 / Forest Law of the People's Republic of China
Enacted: 2019-12-28 ✅ Effective: 2020-07-01
📝 Overview
A law governing the protection, cultivation, and sustainable use of forests and forest resource ownership. It aims to conserve forest ecosystems and support lawful timber industry.
This is general information only, not legal advice. For your specific case, consult a licensed lawyer.
📜 The law text / key provisions
💬 Practical reading
💬 This is a general reading/opinion for orientation — not the official legal text nor legal advice.
If your business touches timber or forest land, confirm the cutting permit and annual quota before any operation. Unlicensed cutting is a commonly prosecuted offence in China. This is general orientation, not legal advice.
📎 Official source
npc.gov.cn
🕒 Updated: 16 March 2026