All this talk about permits via state service portals exclusively concerns mushrooms listed in the Red Data Book of Russia. These are rare and endangered species, the collection of which is already strictly prohibited in our country under the threat of administrative fines or even criminal liability.
The proposed changes to the Ministry of Natural Resources decree, which are set to take effect on September 1, 2027, are aimed at simplifying bureaucracy for those who need such mushrooms for very specific, legal purposes:
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for conducting serious scientific research;
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for replenishing museum collections;
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for activities related to restoring populations of rare species.
Previously, to obtain permission for such removals, one had to knock on the doors of various departments and submit documents in person. Now, they plan to move the process to a digital format so that everything is transparent and faster.
Why the confusion arose
A wave of reports has emerged online claiming that, allegedly, “one will have to account for every single mushroom.” This is not true. The Ministry of Natural Resources has even officially refuted such rumors. Regular mushroom picking for personal consumption, preserves, or simply for pleasure remains free. No one is introducing any permits, taxes, or limits on the collection of the mushrooms we are used to.
The main rule for any mushroom picker remains the same: collect only what you know well, and stay away from Red Book species. This applies not only to the law but also to simple common sense. It is useful to check the current lists of protected plants and fungi to avoid accidentally breaking the law, but for most people, going into the forest remains a free hobby just as it always has been.