New rules for charging refrigeration and air conditioning equipment
New rules for charging refrigeration and air conditioning equipment came into force on 1 January 2020. You cannot charge refrigeration and air conditioning equipment with a higher global warming potential (GWP) refrigerant than the equipment was designed to use. This is an offence under the Ozone Protection and Synthetic Greenhouse Gas Management Regulations 1995.
Refrigerant Trading Authorisation
A Refrigerant Trading Authorisation must be held by any individual or business acquiring, possessing or disposing of fluorocarbon refrigerant.
Restricted Refrigerant Trading Authorisation (RRTA)
The Restricted Refrigerant Trading Authorisation (RRTA) allows the holder to acquire, possess and dispose of refrigerant that is recovered from refrigeration and air conditioning (RAC) equipment at the end of its useful life. Holders of a RRTA may not purchase, or otherwise acquire, bulk refrigerant, for example, refrigerant in cylinders.
Refrigerant Equipment Manufacturers Authorisation
A Refrigerant Equipment Manufacturers Authorisation must be held by any business that acquires refrigerant (other than halon) for use in the manufacture of refrigeration and air conditioning (RAC) equipment.
National regulations are in place which affect people who acquire, possess, dispose of or handle ozone depleting substances or synthetic greenhouse gases.
The ARC (Australian Refrigeration Council) has been appointed the Industry Board to administer the regulations.
For further information, contact the ARC on 1300 884 483 or view the ARC's frequently asked questions.
- Online application forms are available on the ARC website
HFC phase-down
The Australian Government will phase down bulk hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) imports from 2018 through new measures outlined in the Review of the Ozone Protection and Synthetic Greenhouse Gas Management Programme.
More information is available on: HFC phase-down – Frequently asked questions.