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.
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.
Hon.Penny Simmonds, Minister for Vocational Education and the Environment, has announced eight ISBs with Refrigeration, Heating, Ventilation and Airconditioning coming under Construction and Specialist Trades.
As the climate conversation grows louder in boardrooms and communities, one of the most powerful levers for climate action remains largely behind the scenes: refrigeration.
