According to the new rules, any person or company obstructing environment-related inspections by government institutions will face a fine of up to 100,000 reais (62,500 U.S. dollars) which has to be paid within four months.

Under the old system, the amount of fine was decided on a case by case basis, and payment could be postponed for up to five years.

The new rules also demand all traders of wild animals to present a declaration of their stock and revenues, otherwise they may face a penalty varying between 200 to 10,000 reais (125 to 6,250 dollars).

However, the highest fines, which could amount to 50 million reais (31.25 million dollars), will be applied to those who have posed a threat to the health of people or animals, or biodiversity.

Brazilian Environment Minister Carlos Minc said further modifications will be made to the Environmental Law.

According to the minister, the current rules are excessively lenient as the law foresees short jail time for environmental crimes.