R22 on the way out

2016 marks the final period of the Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFC) phase-out schedule with only 2.5 ozone depleting potential (ODP) tonnes allowed to be imported annually.

This marks a significant reduction to the 10 ODP tonnes allowed for the last two years, and provides a big incentive for refrigeration and air conditioning technicians to consult with their customers about the management of their cooling systems. HCFCs (such as R22) are ozone depleting substances and are being phased out globally under the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer. Australia has adopted an accelerated phase-out of HCFCs. The level of permitted imports and manufacture decreases every two years, as specified in the table below.



To read more about the phase-out of R22 refrigerant and other HCFCs visit the Department of the Environment website at www.environment.gov.au and type in R22 phase-out into the search bar.

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