New refrigerant regulations will supercharge the sector

6 October 2026 – New regulations announced today will, for the first time, reveal how very high global warming potential synthetic refrigerants (F-gases), move through New Zealand’s economy.

This will provide a country-level picture – with the data from across the sector that is needed to drive recovery, target action and cut harmful emissions, says the Trust responsible for implementation.

As the Product Stewardship Organisation, the Trust for the Destruction of Synthetic Refrigerants (TDSR) will lead the sector’s transition to one clear, trusted system before the regulated scheme – covering every part of the refrigerant lifecycle onshore in New Zealand - begins on 1 April 2027.

TDSR Chair, Richard Lauder, says the regulations turn years of voluntary action, industry partnership and preparation into a practical national framework for better recovery, handling, data and destruction.

“This is a proud moment for the Trust and for the many people across our sector who have helped build the foundations for this regulated product stewardship scheme for F-gases,” Mr Lauder says.

The first tranche of regulations requires full participation from across the sector, enabling a full and comprehensive picture of the use of F-gases. This includes mandated reporting of sales and distribution, refrigerant used in charging and degassing equipment, refrigerant collected for reclaim, destruction or export, along with establishing controls around destruction activity. 

Over the past 33 years the Trust has collected almost 700,000 kilograms of synthetic refrigerant for safe destruction, avoiding around 1.6 million tonnes of carbon dioxide-equivalent emissions, with a further 41,000 tonnes of ozone depletion potential avoided.  It has also paid more than $8 million in ‘bounty’ incentives to industry for recovering end-of-life refrigerants.

“We have a clear purpose - reduce the environmental harm caused by synthetic refrigerants and make sure every part of the lifecycle works as it should. These new regulations give New Zealand the platform to bring everyone into the system, set clear expectations and turn shared responsibility into measurable progress.”

Synthetic refrigerants were introduced from the 1930s, with successive generations of CFCs, HCFCs and HFCs widely adopted in refrigeration, heating, ventilation and air-conditioning. Because of their impact on the ozone layer and climate, these gases are now being progressively phased out or phased down and replaced by natural refrigerants and other lower-impact alternatives. However, they remain widely present in existing systems and can cause significant environmental harm if they leak, or are not managed responsibly. Discharges of these gases to atmosphere currently account for about 2% of New Zealand’s total greenhouse gas emissions.

The regulated scheme, combined with technical progress in the sector, is expected to reduce emissions by an estimated 400,000 tonnes annually by 2030 and support New Zealand’s international climate commitments, including under the Montreal Protocol. From 1 April 2027, those selling, handling or disposing of synthetic refrigerants will need to register with the scheme, meet compliance standards, and collect and report data to the Product Stewardship Organisation (TDSR).

This will give New Zealand its first comprehensive data and evidence-based picture of refrigerant flows, helping inform infrastructure investment, greenhouse gas reporting and the transition to lower-global-warming-potential technologies. Further competency requirements for technicians will take effect from 2030.

TDSR Chief Executive, Janine Brinsdon, says the immediate priority is a smooth, practical transition for industry.

“We have now entered a new era for refrigerant stewardship in New Zealand, built on three decades of industry partnership, proven results and strong foundations,” Ms Brinsdon says.

“The next six months are about putting that experience and capability to work alongside the sector so we can accelerate New Zealand’s efforts to address climate change and meet its international obligations.

“This is not regulation for its own sake. Bringing the whole market into the scheme will create a level playing field, with everyone operating to the same expectations. Trusted data and stronger professional standards will support better environmental outcomes, while giving businesses the clarity and confidence to invest and prepare,” Ms Brinsdon says.