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It has been a long time coming since the Minister at the time, Therese Coffey, invited key industry suppliers to meet in London to discuss how they were prepared to work alongside the government to address issues and challenges raised in the Clean Air Strategy. Namely the amount of PM2.5 (the finer particles) emissions from wood burning.

Here at Certainly wood, we are proud to say that we are way ahead of the game having started supplying kiln dried logs over 15 years ago, but it is great to see that the industry has risen to the challenge. Even several months ago you would find it difficult to find any logs sold in larger retailers and garages that were not already Ready to Burn approved.

Last weekend, the 1st of May 2021, the new legislation finally came into force which means that wood sold in volumes less than 2m3 must by law, now carry the Ready to Burn certification. Smaller suppliers (supplying volumes below 600m3) have until April 2022 to become compliant. You may also know that as part of the same legislation, house coal has now been banned.

So, were you prepared and are you sure that you now comply?


If I am a retailer such as a garden centre, hardware store, garage, stove retailer or even campsite selling logs can I still sell nets of ‘seasoned logs’

No, as of May 1st 2021, it is against the law to sell wood that is not carrying the ‘Ready to Burn’ logo on the packaging. 

How do I know if my supplier meets the new Ready to Burn regulations?

They must have their own unique ‘Ready to Burn’ logo which will have the packer name along with a unique supplier number.


Do the new regulations only cover firewood?

No, they include compressed wood heat logs too along with kindling, both of which will be dried to well below 20% moisture content. Other heat logs that are not made from pure wood are exempt from the certification scheme.

If my supplier does not yet have the new Ready to Burn logo on their packaging, can I still sell their products?

Yes, as long as you clearly show on the point of sale their new certification logo. This must be clearly displayed above the product. If they cannot provide this new logo to you, then they will not be registered.

How do I check if my supplier is registered and approved under the new scheme?

Visit the Ready to Burn website for a list of accredited suppliers.

Why is this new legislation so important?

Most importantly it is now law and carries a fine, but perhaps more relevant to us all is that this is aimed at reducing particulate emissions caused by burning wet wood. There is very clear evidence that burning wet wood produces far more particulate emissions that burning logs that are dried to below 20% moisture content.

As a consumer, can I still buy logs from my local supplier?

If they are approved under the Ready to Burn scheme, then yes, no problem. If not, then legally they can only supply you in volumes greater than 2m3 loose fill per delivery. This wood does not have to be dried to below 20% moisture content BUT it must be accompanied by clear instructions on how to dry the wood to the correct level, and finally how to check the moisture content prior to burning. It would be your responsibility to ensure that everything you are burning is dried to below 20% moisture content – If not, then you are liable to a fine by local authorities.

N.Snell
7th May 2021