Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a law requiring landowners to combat hogweed and other hazardous plants. The legislation, published on the official legal information portal on July 31, aims to curb the uncontrolled spread of invasive species.

The law, set to take effect on March 1, 2026, places the responsibility on landowners and users of public easements to identify and eliminate dangerous plant species. This initiative addresses the threat posed by invasive plants, like Sosnowsky’s hogweed, to the environment, public health, and the economy.

Regional authorities will determine the specific list of plants subject to mandatory destruction. Federal bodies will oversee this process within specially protected natural areas. An exception is made for quarantine species, which are already governed by separate regulations.

The State Duma adopted the bill in its third reading in mid-July, followed by approval from the Federation Council on July 25.

Sosnowsky’s hogweed, identified as a threat to natural ecosystems and human health, is known to reduce biodiversity. Its widespread presence has been documented in 39 regions of Russia, covering nearly 300,000 hectares. Among the approximately 70 hogweed species, some contain substances capable of causing photochemical skin burns.

Several Russian regions, including the Leningrad Region, have already implemented local administrative fines for landowners who fail to control the spread of hogweed on their property.