Australia is taking another significant step towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions with a new regulation targeting air conditioning equipment. From 1 July 2025, the import and manufacture of multi-head split system air conditioners using refrigerants with a Global Warming Potential (GWP) above 750 will be banned—unless a licence is obtained. The ban specifically applies to outdoor units for multi-head split system air conditioning, including those used in variable refrigerant flow (VRF) systems.

The ban will apply to equipment:

*with up to a 2.6 kg refrigerant charge (per the compliance/rating plate)
*primarily designed for cooling, heating, or both heating and cooling a stationary space for human comfort.

The ban will not apply to similar air conditioning equipment that is:

*for mobile applications such as caravans and boats
*for use in electrical enclosures and computer rooms.

Businesses can continue selling units that were imported or manufactured before 1 July 2025—the ban only affects new imports and manufacturing after this date.

This information was sourced from the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment, and Water.

 
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