🏠 UK Government Updates: What You Must Know About Smokeless Fuel
With increasing concerns about air quality and emissions from domestic heating, the UK government has introduced several important regulations on solid fuels including smokeless coal, house coal, wood, and manufactured solid fuels. If you have a stove, burner or firepit at home, understanding these changes will help you stay compliant and choose the right fuel for your home.
🔍 Major Changes in Brief
The Air Quality (Domestic Solid Fuels Standards) (England) Regulations 2020 came into force to reduce harmful emissions from domestic solid fuel use.
From 1 May 2021: Wood sold in volumes less than 2 m³ must be certified “Ready to Burn” (moisture content ≤ 20%).
House coal (bituminous coal) bagged for domestic use is restricted.
From 1 May 2023: It became illegal in England for most domestic households to buy traditional house coal for burning.
In all smoke control areas: Only authorised fuels may be burnt unless using an exempt appliance.
✅ What This Means for Homeowners
If you are buying wood to burn at home, look for the Ready to Burn logo this assures the wood meets the legislation’s moisture and drying requirements.
Avoid wet or “green” wood for domestic burning these can create excess smoke and are less efficient. Local authority guidance emphasises that wet wood produces more particulate emissions.
If you live in a Smoke Control Area, check that your fuel is authorised failure to do so could mean fines.
Traditional house coal for domestic combustion is mostly phased out; opt instead for approved smokeless coal or other low-emission fuels.
🌳 How Woodstock UK Complies & Supports You
At Woodstock UK, we keep ahead of the regulations so you don’t have to. Our products include:
Kiln-dried hardwood logs certified Ready to Burn – guaranteeing low moisture content and compliance with current laws.
Smokeless coal options that meet the standards and are suitable for smoke control areas.
Clear guidance and support: we help you choose the right fuel for your appliance and location, avoiding any compliance or safety issues.
📦 Tips for Buying & Using Solid Fuels Legally
Check product packaging for the certification number and supplier details.
Keep receipts or delivery documentation in case you need proof of compliant fuel.
Ensure your appliance (stove, burner) is appropriate for the fuel type and meets any required standards (e.g., Ecodesign).
Store fuel correctly: keep wood under cover, dry and ventilated so that it maintains the low moisture content required.
🔚 Final Thought
The government changes around smokeless fuels and domestic burning mean homeowners should choose quality, compliant fuel not just any log or bag of coal. By using certified products from trusted suppliers like Woodstock UK, you’ll ensure safe, efficient, and legal burning at home.
👉 Visit our website www.woodstockuk.com
to view our range of compliant fuels, or call us for advice on the right fuel for your appliance and location.
