Reducing regulatory burden: changes to the permit scheme in 2018

In 2016, a review of the Ozone Protection and Synthetic Greenhouse Gas Management Program – including the refrigeration and air conditioning (RAC) permit scheme – was completed by the Australian Government Department of the Environment and Energy.

The review followed extensive consultation with RAC industry stakeholders through public consultation and targeted consultation with industry representatives.

Outcomes of the review identified a number of measures to be implemented. Specifically, two measures that relate to the RAC permit scheme are listed below:

1. 3-year refrigerant handling licences (RHL) & refrigerant trading authorisations (RTA)
  • From 1 Jan 2018 to 31 Dec 2018 a new option for a three (3) year RHL and RTA will be available – along with the standard permit durations (transition period).
  • From 1 Jan 2019 onwards the default duration for all RHLs (except for trainee RHL) and RTAs will be three (3) years.
  • Trainee RHLs will remain 1 year in duration.
If, after the transition period, applicants have genuine concerns or a legitimate reason to seek a different permit duration there will be scope for deviating from the default period of three years for full permit holders or one year for trainee permit holders.

2. Update to RTA and RHL re-application process

From 1 Jan 2018 the process for re-applying for your RTA or RHL will be streamlined, becoming a ‘renewal’ process, compared to a re-application. The renewal option will only be available for RHL or RTA holders renewing greater than 30 days prior to their permit expiring.

Changes to the RAC permit scheme will reduce the administrative cost of the Regulations on business by reducing the length of time a business or individual needs to spend gathering information together and applying for a permit.

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