The Ozone Protection and Synthetic Greenhouse Gas Management Act 1989 (the Act) prohibits the import and manufacture of products that contain or rely upon chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs).
These include foams blown with CFCs such as:
- extruded polystyrene packaging & insulation board
- rigid polyurethane foam products
- moulded polyurethane foam
- foam insulation in refrigeration and air-conditioning equipment.
The Act also prohibits the import of polyols blended containing hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), including, for example HCFC141b, HCFC22 and HCFC142b. Import is prohibited unless a licence and HCFC quota are granted under the Act.
Equipment insulated with foam manufactured with hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC) may be allowed to be imported, subject to the granting of an equipment licence (EQPL) or if the personal use licence exemption applies.
Foams blown with hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) are not prohibited under the Act and may be imported without a licence. However, imports of polyols containing HFCs require a controlled substances licence and HFC import quota.