In 2021 legislation was introduced to phase out the sale of certain solid fuels including traditional house coal (also known as bituminous coal) and introduce restrictions on the sale of wood and manufactured solid fuels. Further restrictions to regulate the sales of solid fuels came into force in 2023.
For traditional house coal
It is now illegal for businesses to sell traditional house coal (also known as bituminous coal) for use in homes in England.
Businesses can continue to sell 'smokeless fuels' including:
- anthracite coal
- semi-anthracite coal
- low volatile steam coal
Go to www.hetas.co.uk for help choosing an alternative.
For wood
Wood supplied and sold in volumes of less than 2 cubic metres must be 'Ready to Burn' certified. This confirms it has a moisture content of 20% or less. However, it is recommended prior to burning, you should check the moisture content using a moisture meter to ensure it has not reabsorbed moisture during storage.
Go to www.woodsure.co.uk for more information.
If suppliers and retailers sell wood in volumes of 2 cubic metres or more, it doesn’t have to be ‘Ready to Burn’ certified. However, it is a legal requirement to sell it to customers with a notice advising the wood is not suitable for instant burning.
See our business support and compliance page for more information.
For manufactured solid fuels
Manufactured solid fuels must also be 'Ready to Burn' certified to ensure they contain less than 2% sulphur and have an average smoke emission rate of less than 5 grams per hour. The following manufactured solid fuels are exempt from the certification requirements: coffee logs, olive logs and wine logs.
