Government releases proposed Global Warming Potential (GWP) limits and details of regulatory coverage of HFOs.

Links to Stakeholder fact sheets are available below, but in the meantime, here is an executive summary of the proposal from The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water.

The email says phaseout of HFCs, This is an error. It should be phasedown.
HFO requirements from 1/1/27. These are:
1. Avoid intentional release of HFOs to the environment
2. Make efforts to prevent release of HFOs during use and disposal, and
3. Manage and dispose of HFOs in an environmentally sound manner.
4. Descriptive text basically suggests the same system we have for HFCs to cover HFOs
For MACs
1. New imports and uses for large mobile air conditioning: no restrictions but will be reviewed in 2032.
2. For cars, GWP limit of 150 from 1/1/28
For AC – New imports and uses for split system, ducted or light commercial air conditioning
1. From 1 January 2028, HFC can only be imported and used if the refrigerant GWP is less than 750.
2. From 1 January 2036, HFC can only be imported and used if the refrigerant GWP is less than 150.
For other heat pumps – From 1 January 2028, HFC can only be imported and used if the refrigerant GWP is less than 150.
For commercial and domestic refrigeration
1. New imports and uses for transport and marine refrigeration – HFCs can continue to be imported and used. This will be reviewed after 1 January 2032.
2. New imports and uses for ultra-low temperature refrigeration – HFCs can continue to be imported and used. This will be reviewed after 1 January 2032.
All other new imports and uses for refrigerated cold chain (domestic and commercial) – From 1 January 2028, HFC can only be imported and used if the refrigerant GWP is less than 150.
A more detailed analysis will follow soon.
Public consultation on ten (10) proposed standards is now open and will close 5pm Friday 23 October 2026.