As of July 1, 2024, Australia has banned the import and manufacture of small air conditioning equipment using refrigerants with a Global Warming Potential over 750. The ban will apply to equipment with up to 2.6kg refrigerant charge(per the compliance/rating plate) which includes non-ducted split systems, portable units, and window/wall units.

Even if the equipment is imported without refrigerant, holders of equipment import licences (EQPLs) will no longer be permitted to import equipment intended to use refrigerant exceeding 750 GWP.

Ducted air conditioning equipment, movable applications like boats and caravans, systems used in computer rooms and electrical enclosures, existing equipment and equipment being imported under exemptions from licence requirements will not be prohibited under the restriction.

Also, equipment imported or manufactured before 1 July 2024 will be allowed to be sold after that date.

This information was provided courtesy of the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water page, and was slightly edited prior to publication.

For more info, click here