Is it illegal to buy wet wood in England?
In many cases it is now illegal to buy wet wood in England, due to legislation introduced to reduce air pollution and improve domestic fuel standards.
The law: The Air Quality (Domestic Solid Fuels Standards) (England) Regulations 2020
Since 1 May 2021, the government has restricted the sale of wet wood for household burning. The regulations state:
- Firewood sold in quantities of less than 2m³ must be certified as “Ready to Burn”.
- To receive this certification, the wood must have a moisture content of 20% or below.
- Selling wet or unseasoned wood (over 20% moisture) in small volumes is therefore unlawful.
- Suppliers selling 2m³ or more of wood are allowed to sell it without certification — but they must provide written advice on how the customer should store and dry the wood before use.
What this means for you
If you buy small bags or nets of firewood (most domestic purchases), the wood must meet the Ready to Burn standard. Buying uncertified wet wood in these quantities is effectively illegal, because suppliers are not allowed to sell it to you.
For larger deliveries (2m³+), it is legal for the wood to be wetter, but you must season it yourself for many months before burning — and the seller must give you storage and drying guidance.
The practical takeaway
To stay within the law and get the best performance from your stove or fireplace, always look for kiln dried hardwood logs with the official Ready to Burn certification. They are guaranteed to be below 20% moisture, burn cleanly, and meet all current UK regulations.
