From 1 July 2024, Australia will ban the import of small air conditioning equipment using refrigerant with a Global warming potential value (GWP) over 750. GWP table can be found here:
This ban will apply to equipment with up to 2.6 kg refrigerant charge (per the compliance/rating plate) for use in cooling, heating, or both heating and cooling. Equipment covered will include portable and window/wall units and non-ducted split systems.
The ban will not apply to air conditioning equipment for caravans, boats, cars and refrigerators, or to systems for use in electrical enclosures and computer rooms.
Important: the ban will apply to equipment being imported under an equipment licence and to equipment that could otherwise be imported under the licence exemption for low volume importers.
Equipment for personal use will not be affected. Equipment imported before 1 July 2024 will be allowed to be sold after that date.
For example, commonly used gas HCF R-134A has GWP 1430, so it will be banned!
HFCs | ||||
Code | Substance Name | Chemical Name | Chemical Formula | GWP (AR4) |
R-125 | HFC-125 | Pentafluoroethane | CHF2CF3 | 3,500 |
R-134A | HFC-134a | Tetrafluoroethane | CH2FCF3 | 1,430 |