Needing a replacement element, I was somewhat surprised to be told by a
TLC outlet (A!) that they don't stock immersion heater elements as it
is illegal for A1 to sell them & they must be fitted by registered
plumbers.

new regs or some misunderstanding?

Elements are still listed on www.tlc-direct.co.uk, though the one I
needed (dual element unswitched) - which is in the current tlc catalog
- is no longer offered.

What's going on?