The Australian Government has amended The Ozone Protection and Synthetic Greenhouse Gas Management Regulations

These amendments, initially announced in June 2023, are detailed in the Federal Register of Legislation under the Ozone Protection and Synthetic Greenhouse Gas Management Amendment (2024 Measures No. 1) Regulations 2024.

AC Restrictions

Effective from July 1, 2024, the import and manufacture of the following equipment will be restricted:

• Outdoor units for single-head split air conditioning systems

• Portable air conditioners

• Window/wall air conditioners (single units designed for installation in a window or wall)

From July 1, 2025, restrictions will extend to:

• Outdoor units for multi-head split air conditioning systems

These restrictions target air conditioning equipment that:

• Is designed to cool, heat, or both, for human comfort

• Has a refrigerant charge of 2.6kg or less (as per compliance plate or manual)

• Contains, or is designed to operate with, an HFC refrigerant with a GWP greater than 750

For the full story, including impacts and exemptions, new penalties and the impact on qualifications, units of competency and standards for refrigeration handing, click here.