Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what criteria his Department uses to classify wood-burning stoves as a smoke exempt appliance.

An appliance exemption shows that fuel-burning appliances, for example stoves, ovens or boilers, emit smoke below the acceptable limits.

Applicants must be able to prove that their appliance meets the necessary requirements and has been tested using acceptable methods at an accredited test centre.

The emission limits applicable to appliances are dependent on the size of the appliance. Further details are provided in Hetas’ guidance which can be viewed at: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/761622/hetas-appliance-exemption-application-pack-181130.pdf