Smoke Control Regulations for LogLinx

1. Introduction

1.1. Purpose and Scope

LogLinx Ltd. ("LogLinx", "we", "us", "our") is committed to ensuring that all wood and log products sold through our online marketplace comply with applicable Smoke Control Regulations in the United Kingdom. This document explains the legal requirements concerning smoke emissions from solid fuel appliances and the responsibilities of sellers, buyers, and service providers. It is intended to guide LogLinx users—both those listing products and services and those purchasing—on how to meet regulatory standards and contribute to cleaner air quality.

1.2. Regulatory Background

Under Part III of the Clean Air Act 1993 and subsequent amendments, Smoke Control Areas (SCAs) have been designated across the UK to reduce harmful particulate emissions from wood-burning and coal-burning appliances. In SCAs, it is an offence to emit smoke from a chimney of a building, from a furnace, or any fixed boiler unless the fuel and appliance combination is authorised for use.

2. Smoke Control Areas and Their Designation

2.1. Definition of Smoke Control Area

A Smoke Control Area is a geographical zone established by local authorities where controls on the emission of smoke are enforced to protect public health and the environment. In England, these are designated by the Local Authority under the Clean Air Act 1993. In Wales and Scotland, similar powers exist under equivalent legislation.

2.2. Geographic Coverage

As of June 2025, over 180 Smoke Control Areas exist across England, covering major urban centres (e.g., Greater London, Birmingham, Manchester) and sensitive rural locations (e.g., National Parks). Buyers and sellers must verify whether a property or delivery location falls within an SCA. Interactive maps and postcode lookup tools are available on government websites (e.g., https://smokecontrol.defra.gov.uk/maps_ips.jsp).

2.3. Local Authority Responsibilities

Local authorities enforce Smoke Control Regulations by:

• Issuing Notices to residents and businesses to comply.
• Prosecuting violations (e.g., emitting unauthorised smoke).
• Approving "exempt appliances" and "authorised fuels" lists.

3. Authorised Fuels and Exempt Appliances

3.1. Authorised Fuels

Only fuels designated as "authorised" may be burned in SCAs. A fuel is authorised if it has been tested and certified by Defra or other recognised bodies (e.g., Woodsure Ready to Burn scheme). Authorised fuels typically include:

• Seasoned hardwood logs with moisture content <20% (e.g., oak, ash, beech).
• Wood briquettes and compressed sawdust logs meeting ENplus® or Woodsure Ready to Burn standards.
• Approved smokeless coals and smokeless fuels (e.g., anthracite, manufactured smokeless fuels).

Logs and wood products listed on LogLinx intended for use in SCAs must carry proof of compliance. Sellers should display certificates or labels (e.g., Woodsure Ready to Burn certification code) in the product description.

3.2. Exempt Appliances

An exempt appliance is a chimney or stove that has been certified to emit smokeless, clean-combustion products when burning authorised fuels. Exempt appliances include:

• DEFRA-authorized wood-burning stoves with a smoke emission rate ≤5g/kg of dry fuel.
• Factory-built inset appliances with Defra approval.
• Certain exempted open fires in historic or traditional buildings are subject to permit.

Providers listing installation or maintenance services for stoves and appliances must verify appliance certification and educate customers on the proper operation of these appliances.

4. Obligations of Sellers on LogLinx

4.1. Product Listing Requirements

Sellers offering wood and log products must:

• Clearly state in listings whether the product is suitable for use in SCAs.
• Include authentication details: certification scheme, batch codes, and supplier details.
• Provide moisture content data and calorific value where available.
• Upload valid Certificates of Analysis or conformance to recognised standards.
• Warn buyers if the wood is "green" or untreated timber is not suitable for SCAs.

4.2. Packaging and Labelling

Sellers must label packaged fuels according to UK regulations:

• Display the Woodsure Ready to Burn logo or equivalent.
• Indicate moisture content (e.g., "Moisture content ≤20% when tested to BS EN 14774").
• Include batch number and production date.

4.3. Compliance Verification

Before shipping, sellers should maintain records of compliance:

• Retain supplier certificates for each batch of wood or fuel sold.
• Allow LogLinx audits or spot checks upon request.

4.4. Consequences of Non-Compliance

Sellers found to be listing non-compliant fuels face:

• Listing removal or suspension from the marketplace.
• Potential account termination for repeated offences.
• Referral to regulatory authorities for enforcement action.

5. Obligations of Buyers on LogLinx

5.1. Due Diligence

Buyers must:

• Confirm whether their property falls within an SCA via an official postcode lookup.
• Verify that purchased fuel is suitable and authorised for their location.

5.2. Safe Storage and Handling

Buyers should:

• Store wood in a dry, ventilated area to reduce moisture.
• Season timber for at least 12 months, splitting larger logs for faster drying.
• Avoid burning treated or painted wood, which may emit toxic fumes.

5.3. Reporting Non-Compliance

If buyers suspect fuel non-compliance:

• Contact the seller to request proof of certification.
• Report discrepancies to LogLinx Customer Support for investigation.
• For public health or environmental concerns, contact their local authority.

6. Responsibilities of Service Providers

6.1. Stove and Chimney Installers

Service providers offering installation or cleaning services must:

• Ensure the appliance is DEFRA-exempt or suitable for SCAs.
• Advise customers on selecting the correct fuel and operating procedures.
• Maintain Gas Safe or HETAS accreditation where required.

6.2. Chimney Sweeps

Chimney sweeps should:

• Inspect and clean flues to optimise combustion efficiency and ensure optimal performance.
• Guide to Preventing Soot and Creosote Buildup.
• Alert customers to potential smoke emission issues and regulatory obligations.

6.3. Wood Dryers and Kiln Services

Providers drying or kiln-processing logs for resale should:

• Document moisture testing results before and after drying.
• Issue customers a Certificate of Moisture Content.
• Educate buyers on proper storage to maintain low moisture after sale.

7. Enforcement and Penalties

7.1. Local Authority Powers

Local authorities may:

• Issue Smoke Control Notices requiring cessation of smoke emissions.
• Pursue prosecution under the Clean Air Act 1993, with fines up to £1,000 per offence plus legal costs.

7.2. Appeals and Exemptions

Property owners may apply to their local authority for exemptions:

• Temporary exemptions for special ceremonies or events.
• Permanent exemptions for listed buildings with open fires, subject to conditions.

8. Education and Awareness

8.1. User Guides

LogLinx will provide:

• Online help centre articles on SCAs, fuel certification, and appliance selection.
• Downloadable PDFs summarising Smoke Control Regulations.

8.2. In-App Notifications

When browsing fuel listings, buyers will see alerts if their postcode is in an SCA, reminding them to buy authorised fuel only.

8.3. Webinars and Workshops

LogLinx will host quarterly webinars featuring industry experts on:

• Best practices for wood fuel compliance.
• Innovations in low-emission stove technology.
• Updates to Smoke Control Regulations and certification schemes.

9. Record-keeping and Traceability

9.1. Digital Audit Trails

LogLinx's platform will store:

• Seller compliance documentation linked to each listing.
• Buyer acknowledgement of SCA status during checkout.

9.2. Reporting Obligations

Annually, LogLinx will publish a summary report including:

• Number of listings verified for SCA compliance.
• Incidents of suspected non-compliance and resolutions.
• Educational initiatives conducted.

10. Continuous Improvement

10.1. Policy Review

This Smoke Control Regulations document will be reviewed biennially or upon significant legislative changes.

10.2. User Feedback

LogLinx encourages feedback from sellers, buyers, and service providers to optimise compliance processes and ensure seamless operations.

10.3. Platform Enhancements

Upcoming features may include:

• Automated postcode lookup integration during listing.
• AI-based image recognition to detect uncoded wood packaging.
• Enhanced certification badge system with real-time validation against regulatory databases.

11. Definitions

• SCA (Smoke Control Area): A zone designated to control smoke emissions.
• Authorised Fuel: Wood or fuel approved by Defra or equivalent schemes for use in SCAs.
• DEFRA-Exempt Appliance: A stove or chimney system certified for smokeless combustion.
• HETAS: The official body recognised by the Government to approve solid fuel domestic heating appliances.

12. Contact Information

For queries, compliance support, or to report issues, please contact:

Thank you for helping LogLinx maintain high environmental standards and support cleaner air across the UK. Your adherence to these Smoke Control Regulations ensures a safer, healthier community for all.