I Want to Sell Firewood; What Do I Need?

I recently had a request from an individual about what they need to sell firewood legally, and with all the wood stove users and campers out there, I thought this question may have a broader appeal.

The Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) regulates the sale of firewood in Indiana. Much of what I’ll be sharing today is sourced from their website, “Firewood Rules."

More than 140 pests and pathogens can potentially be moved in firewood. Some of these pests, if introduced to a DNR property, can devastate forested areas where popular hiking trails are located and greatly reduce shade in the campgrounds. Similarly, it is wise to curtail the possibility of moving pests via firewood from one area to another that may currently be free of the pest, even if it is not to be used on a state property. It’s best to buy and use firewood locally.

But what if you want to sell firewood as a side business?

The Indiana DNR Division of Entomology & Plant Pathology certifies Indiana businesses that sell firewood. If you wish to sell firewood on state properties, you must obtain a state compliance stamp. You should provide a copy of the label to firewood purchasers.

At the website, you will have access to Entomology and Plant Pathology compliance officers for your area. Contact them for information on becoming an Indiana-certified firewood dealer. There is no fee for the service. All wood sold should include a copy of the stamp associated with your compliance agreement. Businesses should be registered with the Secretary of State to obtain a compliance agreement. State compliance agreements are not issued to individuals who want to bring firewood onto a property. However, homeowners can bring their own firewood if all the bark is removed.

If you wish to sell firewood to area residents for home use, such as wood stoves, fireplaces, backyard fire rings, or backyard fire pits, you do not need this certification.

If you wish to purchase firewood for home use, you are encouraged to source the wood locally.

Firewood purchased from a department store, grocery store, gas station, or other location where wood is bundled will have a federal compliance stamp. This assures that the wood has been processed in a manner that ensures any pests present are no longer a concern. The wood may have been through a heat treatment or a fumigation process to kill pests. Firewood will typically be in plastic bundles. Indiana DNR urges individuals to keep the label with the stamp handy in case authorities check on the wood.

According to an Indiana DNR official, some vendors with DNR compliance agreements sell firewood at gas stations and other department stores. Firewood certified by DNR must be seasoned and have a moisture content of less than 20%. In rare instances, DNR can certify heat-treated or kiln-dried firewood; however, the kilns must also be certified to ensure they meet federal standards. DNR does not manage kiln certifications.

Indiana DNR states that you can bring firewood into a state park, reservoir, state forest, or state fish and wildlife area if:

1. It is kiln-dried scrap lumber with no bark.
2. It is purchased from the property camp store or on-site firewood vendor.
3. It is from your home or another Indiana location and has all bark removed.
4. It bears a state compliance stamp or a USDA compliance stamp.

Find additional information at https://www.dontmovefirewood.org/. Contact Indiana DNR officials for further questions or clarifications.