If your organisation is in the business of transporting any goods related to the emission of hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC), then it might be time to start reorganising your logistics strategy..

Starting from January 2020, any manufacture and import of all HCFC products (including aerosols, equipment and even certain fire protection tools) will be banned by the Australian government unless there is licence provided.

 

The requirements for said licence can be roughly divided into two categories:

 

#1. HCFC products necessary for safety, security and health.

You must be manufacturing or importing these goods for strictly defined purposes such as public safety, medical care, national defence and industrial safety. Furthermore, it must also be wholly proven that no practical and effective alternative exists. This further extends to any equipment or item for calibrating important tools for scientific research as well as measurement.

 

#2. Replacement or non-removable HCFC components.

Licences can be given out if the HCFC goods serve as replacement parts for refrigeration or air conditioning equipment provided that it is not a complete unit of a split system air conditioner. The same licence can also be given to organisations importing or manufacturing goods insulated with foam produced with HCFC, as well as larger equipment that uses HCFC components that would be impractical to remove or retrofit.

Lastly, the above licence requirements will extend even to those who are importing low-volume HCFC equipment. On the other hand, low volume import conditions for synthetic greenhouse gas equipment have not changed, meaning you won’t need a licence if you are only importing up to 25 kilograms within a year.

Therefore, organisations are highly advised to review their current catalogue of imported and manufactured HCFC products now, and make appropriate arrangements to obtain necessary licences before the start of 2020.