Environmental compliance audit report

Wood heaters are a major source of fine-particle air pollution, exposure to which can result in significant adverse health impacts, including cardiovascular and respiratory problems. In 2016, the NSW Government adopted new national standards, which set more stringent limits on emissions from wood heaters and improved their efficiency.

As part of its compliance audit program, the EPA audited 30 businesses representing all major manufacturers, distributors and wholesalers in NSW, as well as core and non-core retailers in NSW metropolitan centres and the main NSW regions.

This report of the compliance audit program finds that whilst most wood heaters sold in NSW are certified as compliant with the new, more stringent standards, issues related to labelling and certification were identified. The report findings present an opportunity for improvement by the industry.