What is DEFRA?

DEFRA is a government body responsible for testing and approving solid fuelled heating appliances for use in smoke control zones.

Smoke control zones

The Clean Air Acts of 1956 and 1968 were introduced to deal with the smog of the 1950s and 1960s which was caused by the widespread burning of coal for domestic heating and by industry. Smog was blamed for the premature deaths of hundreds of people in the UK. The Acts allowed local authorities powers to control emissions of dark smoke, grit, dust and fumes from industrial premises and furnaces and to declare "smoke control areas" in which emissions of smoke from domestic properties are banned. Since then, smoke control areas have been introduced in many of our large towns and cities in the UK and in large parts of the Midlands, North West, South Yorkshire, North East of England, Central and Southern Scotland and Wales. The introduction of smoke control areas, and the increased popularity of natural gas and the changes in the industrial and economic structure of the UK has lead to a substantial reduction in concentrations of smoke and associated levels of sulphur dioxide from the 1950s to the present day.

Exempt fuels and stoves

Any compliant multi fuel stove for installation in a Smoke Control Area may burn only authorised smokeless fuels. A list of approved smokeless fuels can be found on the DEFRA website. http://smokecontrol.defra.gov.uk

Exempt appliances

Exempt appliances are appliances (ovens, wood burners and stoves) which have been exempted by Statutory Instruments (Orders) under the Clean Air Act 1993 or Clean Air (Northern Ireland) Order 1981. These have passed tests to confirm that they are capable of burning an unauthorised or inherently smoky solid fuel without emitting smoke.

Burning logs

Logs may only be burnt on stoves that have been granted exemption from the regulations by the government through DEFRA. Exempt appliances are appliances (ovens, wood burners and stoves) which have been exempted by Statutory Instruments (Orders) under the Clean Air Act 1993 or Clean Air (Northern Ireland) Order 1981. These have passed tests to confirm that they are capable of burning an unauthorised or inherently smoky solid fuel without emitting smoke