The Australian Government is proposing new Industrial Chemicals Environmental Management Standard (IChEMS) requirements covering HFCs and HFOs used in refrigeration, air conditioning and heat pumps. The proposals introduce GWP limits for new HFC imports and uses from 1 January 2028, while new HFO management requirements would apply from 1 January 2027.
For split-system, ducted and light commercial air conditioning, HFCs used for new imports and uses would require a refrigerant GWP below 750 from 1 January 2028 and below 150 from 1 January 2036. All other new imports and uses for stationary air conditioning and heat pumps would face a GWP limit below 150 from 1 January 2028. HFCs needed to maintain in-service equipment according to the manufacturer’s specification would remain allowed.
For refrigerated cold-chain applications, new domestic and commercial imports and uses would be limited to HFC refrigerants with a GWP below 150 from 1 January 2028. HFCs could continue to be imported and used for transport and marine refrigeration and ultra-low-temperature refrigeration, with these provisions to be reviewed after 1 January 2032.
For mobile air conditioning, new imports and uses outside the large mobile air-conditioning category, including passenger vehicles, would require an HFC refrigerant with a GWP below 150 from 1 January 2028. HFCs could continue to be imported and used for large mobile air conditioning, subject to review after 1 January 2032.
From 1 January 2027, HFO users would be required to avoid intentional releases, make efforts to prevent releases during use and disposal, and manage and dispose of HFOs in an environmentally sound manner. The proposed HFO decision would be implemented through Commonwealth, state and territory environmental laws rather than the Ozone Protection and Synthetic Greenhouse Gas Management Act 1989.
The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water is seeking feedback on 10 proposed IChEMS scheduling decisions. Public consultation closes at 5pm AEDT on 23 October 2026.
Proposed decision on HFOs under IChEMS
Proposed restrictions on HFCs under IChEMS: Mobile air-conditioning
Proposed restrictions on HFCs under IChEMS: Refrigerated cold chain
Proposed restrictions on HFCs under IChEMS: Stationary air-conditioning and heat pumps
