Requirements relating to domestic solid fuel heaters are set out in Part 2 of the Protection of the Environment Operations (Clean Air) Regulation 2021. The Regulation targets domestic solid fuel heaters of the slow combustion type as these have the potential to emit significant amounts of smoke if not designed and operated correctly. The Regulation requires all such heaters sold (wholesale or retail) in New South Wales (locally and imported) to meet the emission and efficiency limits specified in Australian Standard AS/NZS 4013:2014: Domestic solid fuel burning appliances - Method for determination of flue gas emission and AS/NZS 4012:2014: Domestic solid fuel burning appliances – Method for determination of power output and efficiency.
Each heater model sold in NSW must have a certificate of compliance certifying that the heater model has been tested in accordance with the Australian Standards and each heater must be marked accordingly. Such certificates are issued on the basis of test results from an accredited laboratory in Australia or New Zealand.
The Regulation also prohibits a person from tampering with heaters or from marking on a heater that it complies with the Standard if there is no relevant certificate of compliance in force.