EU-organised testing of 10 solid fuel boilers found that 90 % failed performance and energy labelling requirements, raising concerns about compliance with regulations in this market. The testing was done during a market surveillance campaign organised by the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs (DG GROW).
Six of the boilers were purchased in Latvia and four in Switzerland. They had an output of between 10 kilowatt and 180 kW. Tests were done to determine if they meet absolute limits for performance, including efficiency and emissions; and if the manufacturer correctly declared the product’s performance. The samples were selected based on market data.
In addition to seasonal space heating efficiency, the tests measured emissions of particulate matter, gaseous compounds and nitrogen oxides.
One pass out of 10 samples
Testing was conducted by an accredited laboratory in the EU. Only one boiler passed all tests. Thirty percent did not meet the absolute limits for performance, including efficiency and emissions. Although sixty percent passed the absolute limit tests, their actual performance did not match the manufacturer’s declaration.
Market surveillance authorities also checked the documentation supplied with the boilers. 40% percent of the boilers failed.
Five manufacturers were instructed to correct their declarations of performance, while four boilers were withdrawn from the market. Manufacturers were also instructed to update their documentation.
More investigation needed
In their report, market surveillance authorities recommend that more work is done to address the causes of the non-compliance.
Further action is needed to ensure that manufacturers understand and comply with regulations, for example by encouraging them to work with market surveillance authorities and testing laboratories.
JACOP 2024
The testing was done during the Joint Actions on Compliance of Products (JACOP) 2024 project. Its aim is to ensure a safe single market by strengthening cooperation between market surveillance authorities. They jointly test products, determine their risks and harmonise ways of working. A total of 16 product categories were tested.
Said Vanessa Capurso, Policy Officer at DG GROW: “Market surveillance campaigns like this are crucial to protect consumers and also businesses in the single market from unfair competition by those who do not comply with the rules. The outcome of these tests confirms that regular market surveillance campaigns are effective in enforcing regulations.”
More information
Contact: jacop2024
esn [dot] eu (jacop2024[at]esn[dot]eu)
- Publication date
- 8 January 2026
- Author
- Directorate-General for Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs