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We are surveying industry technicians about potential issues with pair coils. The aim is to identify factors that may contribute to the issue. The survey is de-identified and closes on Friday 8 September 2023. If you have encountered an issue with leaking pair coils, then you can complete the survey.
Industry has raised concerns about a potential issue relating to the integrity of pair coils. There are reports that some pair coils used in split system-air conditioning units may be leaking gases.
We have engaged a steering committee to help provide insight into this potential issue. We are surveying industry technicians to better understand the situation.
Steering committee members
- CEO, Australian Refrigeration Council
- Executive Director, Refrigerants Australia
- General Manager, Refrigerant Reclaim Australia
- CEO, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Equipment Manufacturers Association of Australia
- Director, Kirby HVAC&R
- General Manager, Temperzone
- Reece Representatives
- Australian Competition and Consumer Commission Representatives
- The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) Representatives
Application fees for refrigerant handling licences and refrigerant trading authorisations increased from 1 January 2023.
Fees are indexed annually, based on the wage price index published by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (Catalogue 6345.0). Fee indexation is set out in Regulation 346 of the Ozone Protection and Synthetic Greenhouse Gas Management Regulations 1995.
The relevant wage price index figures rose 3.192% between September 2021 and September 2022. Refrigeration and air conditioning permit application fees will increase by 3.192% from 1 January 2023.
The fees for 2022 and 2023 are:
| Permit type | Year (s) | 2022 Application fee | 2023 Application fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Refrigerant handling licence | 1 | $80 | $83 |
| 2 | $160 | $166 | |
| 3 | $240 | $249 | |
| Restricted refrigerant handling licence | 1 | $80 | $83 |
| 2 | $160 | $166 | |
| 3 | $240 | $249 | |
| Refrigeration and air conditioning trainee licence | 1 | $34 | $35 |
| Refrigerant trading authorisation | 1 | $254 | $262 |
| 2 | $508 | $524 | |
| 3 | $762 | $786 | |
| Restricted refrigerant trading authorisation | 1 | $80 | $83 |
| 2 | $160 | $166 | |
| 3 | $240 | $249 |
The Ozone Protection and Synthetic Greenhouse Gas program is administered on a cost-recovery basis, with application fee amounts intended to address the costs incurred by the Department in administering the permit scheme. The fees are adjusted annually consistent with the wage price index, to ensure they remain in line with general cost increases across the program and broader economy.
Permit Duration
The default duration for refrigerant handling licences and refrigerant trading authorisations are three years, and one year for trainee refrigerant handling licences. You can apply for a licence or authorisation of a shorter or longer duration, up to a maximum of three years, by contacting the ARC via email at enquire@arctick.org
For more information on permit fees, or on applying for refrigerant handling licences or refrigerant trading authorisations, visit the Australian Refrigeration Council's website at www.arctick.org
The latest report in the Cold Hard Facts series is now available. Cold Hard Facts 2022 analyses data from 2021 to identify key developments and emerging trends in the refrigeration and air conditioning industry.
National regulations
National regulations apply to those who work in the refrigeration and air conditioning industry and work with:
- Synthetic greenhouse gases (SGGs)
- Ozone depleting substances (ODS)
The following permits are required under the Ozone Protection and Synthetic Greenhouse Gas Management Regulations 1995:
- A Refrigerant Handling Licence is required if you:
- handle these substances in bulk or in equipment
- work on equipment containing these substances.
- A Refrigerant Trading Authorisation is required if you are a business or person who:
- acquires,
- possesses, or
- disposes of these substances.
Australian Refrigeration Council (ARC)
The Australian Refrigeration Council (ARC) is appointed as the Industry Board to administer these licences and authorisations. More information regarding the licensing system is available on the ARC website.
To find an authorised business or technician in your area, use the ARC authorised business search.
Information tailored for you:
Find more information on:
- buying, maintaining, or removing an air-conditioning unit
- finding a licensed technician in your area
- impacts of refrigerant gases on the ozone layer and climate change.
Find more information on:
- Refrigerant handling licences for technicians
- the phase-down of HFC refrigerant gases
- new rules for charging refrigeration and air conditioning equipment.
Find more information on:
- new rules for charging refrigeration and air conditioning equipment
- refrigeration training authorisations
- restricted refrigerant trading authorisations
- the phase down of HFC refrigerant gases.
Find more information on:
- import/export licenses
- reporting on controlled substances
- exemptions
- accurate record keeping.
Find more information on:
- guidance on importing regulated substances
- key points and useful resources.