Poland's samowyrób system offers cheaper firewood through self-harvesting

In Poland, the ‘samowyrób’ system (officially known as PKN) allows individuals to legally acquire firewood at significantly reduced costs, sometimes by more than 50%. Under this procedure, the buyer is responsible for the labor of preparing the raw material for transport, typically focusing on branches, small-diameter wood, and forest residues.

To participate, individuals must contact a local forester who designates a specific work area, provides health and safety training, and issues written permission. Once the wood is prepared, the forester measures and prices it. The wood can only be legally removed after payment and receipt of a sales document.

There are specific limitations and requirements: individuals are generally limited to 30 cubic meters per year within a single forest district. The process requires the buyer to provide their own equipment and transport. Additionally, freshly cut wood has high moisture levels (50–60%) and requires seasoning—often for up to two years—to reach usable levels of 15–25% moisture.