Poland tightens anti‑smog heating rules with 2026 boiler ban and court overturns wood‑fire restrictions

In the city of Chojnice, a regional anti‑smog resolution requires that, after 1 September 2026, residents may no longer operate solid‑fuel boilers classified as class 3 or 4 under the PN‑EN 303‑5:2012 standard. Property owners must replace such units with alternatives that meet newer emission criteria, such as renewable energy systems, gas, electric heating, light oil, or Ecodesign‑approved solid‑fuel devices, depending on the availability of gas or district‑heat connections.

Separately, the Supreme Administrative Court (NSA) declared a 2020 Mazowieckie anti‑smog resolution banning the use of wood‑burning fireplaces on smog‑alert days invalid. The court found the regional authority had not provided sufficient evidence to justify singling out biomass while allowing other solid fuels, stressing that restrictions must be based on clear data and applied equally. The ruling applies to all households subject to the original ban.