The Dept of the Environment and Energy has announced changes to the current controls on HCFC gas and HCFC equipment.
They have released the following details on their website http://www.environment.gov.au/protection/ozone/publications/quick-facts-hcfc-gas-equipment which can be accessed for further information.
What’s happening with HCFC equipment import and manufacture?
- Circumstances where importing or manufacturing hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC) equipment is allowed are getting more limited.
- Importing or manufacturing HCFC refrigeration and air conditioning equipment has been banned for a while now, except in certain circumstances.
- From 1 January 2020 importing or manufacturing all types of HCFC equipment (including, for example, HCFC aerosols and HCFC fire protection equipment) will be banned, except in certain circumstances.
- This includes all equipment that uses HCFCs, even if it does not have gas in it at the time of import.
In what circumstances can HCFC equipment be imported or manufactured under licence?
- An equipment licence may be granted that allows for import when:
- importing replacement parts for HCFC refrigeration or air conditioning equipment (this does not include a complete or substantially complete indoor or outdoor unit of a split system air conditioner), or importing equipment insulated with foam manufactured with HCFC, or
- the equipment is incidental to the main import, and it is impractical to remove or retrofit the equipment. (for example equipment incorporated into a large boat or drilling rig)
An equipment licence may be granted that allows for import or manufacture where:
- the equipment is essential for medical, veterinary, defence, industrial safety or public safety purposes, and no practical and effective alternative exists, or the equipment is for use in conjunction with the calibration of scientific, measuring or safety equipment.
- The Department is intending to have regulations in place by 1 January 2020 that will allow the import or manufacture of HCFC equipment for test, monitoring, or laboratory and analytical use where there is no practical and effective alternative to that equipment
In what circumstances can HCFC equipment be imported without a licence?
- The conditions for importing equipment without a licence for personal use are not changing – equipment, including HCFC equipment, may be imported without a licence if it is for personal use and has been owned by the importer for at least 12 months
What’s happening with low volume equipment imports?
- From 1 January 2020 low volume imports of HCFC equipment without a licence will no longer be allowed. From then, unless the import is for personal use, HCFC equipment can only be imported under an equipment licence, and only if it meets one of the criteria listed above.
- The low volume import conditions for synthetic greenhouse gas equipment are not changing – importers who import up to 25 kilograms of synthetic greenhouse gas in equipment in a calendar year do not need an equipment licence.
What’s happening with HCFCs used for servicing?
- From 1 January 2020, bulk HCFC imported into Australia can only be used to service existing fire protection, refrigeration and air conditioning equipment (equipment that was manufactured or imported before 1 January 2020).
- HCFC refrigerant reclaimed from equipment in Australia can be used for servicing any HCFC equipment, as long as it meets the manufacturer’s specifications to ensure its quality.
