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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.
The report details common faults identified in both residential and commercial refrigeration and air conditioning equipment. The report also lists the impacts of these faults and recommendations with the potential to significantly reduce electricity use and cost, refrigerant leaks and emissions.
Refrigeration, both cooling and freezing, has an important role to play in minimising Australia’s food waste and maximising the value of food production. This study provides a baseline understanding of issues in the cold food chain and indicates opportunities to reduce food waste and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
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
National regulations
There are national regulations applying to people who acquire, possess, dispose of or handle ozone depleting substances (ODSs) or synthetic greenhouse gases (SGGs) in the refrigeration and air conditioning (RAC) industry.
Under the Ozone Protection and Synthetic Greenhouse Gas Management Regulations 1995, persons who handle these substances in bulk or in equipment, and people who work on equipment containing these gases, are required to hold a Refrigerant Handling Licence.
Companies or persons who acquire, possess or dispose of these substances are required to hold a Refrigerant Trading Authorisation.
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.
A list of refrigerant trading authorisations can be found by using the ARC authorised business search.
Information tailored for you:
Consumers
For information related to buying, maintaining or decommissioning air conditioners, refrigerators and other refrigeration and air conditioning equipment; how to find a licensed technician in your area; find out more about ozone, climate change and refrigerant gases.
Technicians
For information related to refrigerant handling, in bulk or in equipment (e.g. air conditioners, refrigerators); Refrigerant Handling Licences; Transitional Licences.
Businesses
For information related to acquiring, possessing or disposing of refrigerants; the manufacture of refrigeration and air conditioning equipment; Refrigerant Trading Authorisations.
Importers / Exporters
Licences and reporting requirements for the import, export and manufacture of ozone depleting substances (ODS) and synthetic greenhouse gases (SGG).
Training information; key facts to remember; resources including a list of questions to ask importers, licence requirements, safety, exemptions, and more.