Restrictions on stoves and fireplaces: fines of up to 5,000 euros from 15 October

With the arrival of winter, we start to long for those chilly afternoons spent in front of the fire. But be careful, because there are rules to follow, and breaking them can turn a moment of pleasure into a hefty fine – ranging from 500 to 5,000 euros.

There are, in fact, restrictions on wood-burning heating in the home, which vary from region to region. These restrictions mainly relate to the number of ‘stars’ assigned to the stove or fireplace. What do these stars represent? Decree 186/2017 introduced an environmental classification system for heat generators fuelled by wood, pellets or wood chips, awarding between 1 and 5 stars based on efficiency and pollutant emission levels. The higher the number of stars, the more efficient the appliance. In areas most affected by the cold, but also by pollution, the restrictions are stricter: in Lombardy, it is forbidden to use biomass heaters that do not meet at least a three-star environmental class, and new installations must have at least four stars – a requirement also in force in Piedmont. Fireplaces with a heat output of up to 10 kW are exempt from the regional regulations and may be lit occasionally for recreational purposes.

There is also the UNI 10683 technical standard (last updated in 2022) which governs the testing, installation, inspection, cleaning and maintenance of heat generators fuelled by solid biofuels – wood, pellets, wood chips – with a thermal output of 35 kW or less

From today, 15 October 2026, the legislation on biomass heating comes into force in Lombardy. This means that new emission and installation requirements – approved by the Regional Executive in 2024 – now apply to systems with a thermal output at the firebox exceeding 35 kW. The emission limit values – for particulate matter and total organic carbon – vary according to the altitude of the municipality in which the appliance is installed and the type of fuel previously used in the system being replaced. The environmental class must be four stars. The resolution also sets out the specifications for chimney maintenance, which must be carried out at least once a year or every four tonnes of biomass burnt. It is also the responsibility of the maintenance technician to sign a specific report confirming that maintenance has been carried out, to be registered in the Curit – Catasto Unico Regionale degli Impianti Termici – failing which a fine will be imposed. For stoves and fireplaces with a heat output of less than 35 kW, the conditions of use and installation remain the same for a further year, until 15 October 2027.

In the event of non-compliance with regional regulations, the fine may range from 500 to 5,000 euros.