2 July 2024

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Ban on high-GWP small AC equipment

The import and manufacture of small air conditioning equipment with high global warming potential refrigerant (GWP over 750) has been banned as of 1 July 2024.

The Australian Refrigeration Council (ARC) has welcomed the ban, which applies to air conditioning equipment designed to be used to cool or heat, or both, a stationary space primarily for human comfort if the equipment is:

• an outdoor unit for a single-head split system air conditioning system
• a portable air conditioner
• a window/wall air conditioner (a single unit designed to be fixed to a window or wall)

and the equipment:

• has a standard refrigerant charge of 2.6 kilogram or less, and
• contains, or is designed to operate with, an HFC refrigerant that has a global warming potential (GWP) of more than 750.

ARC chief executive officer Glenn Evans said existing equipment in Australia would not be affected, and the ban would not apply to:

• outdoor units for ducted systems
• indoor units of split systems when imported separately from the outdoor unit
• equipment for mobile applications such as motor vehicles, caravans, aircraft and boats
• systems for use in electrical enclosures and computer rooms
• air-to-water equipment, such as units for hydronic home heating systems, swimming pool heat pumps
• humidifiers or dehumidifiers.

Importers will be able to apply for an exemption to the ban in certain circumstances. Equipment imported or manufactured in Australia before 1 July 2024 may be sold after that date.

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Media Contact:          Greg Shoemark          0412 577 526             gshoemark@arctick.org