China moves to limit HFC refrigerants
22nd May 2020
CHINA: Although yet to officially ratify the Kigali Amendment, China has drafted new proposals for a quota system in line with global agreements to phase down HFC refrigerants.
The new proposals from China’s Ministry of Ecology and Environment also includes leak management and recovery and reclamation regulations with fines of up to RMB10m ($1.4m)
The rules would apply to the production, sale, use, import and export of HFCs for controlled uses such as refrigerants, foaming agents, fire extinguishing agents, solvents, cleaning agents, and aerosols.
China is the world’s largest producer of HFCs, and manufactures about 70% of the world’s air conditioners.
“This draft plan demonstrates a clear intent to tackle these potent greenhouse gases,” said Avipsa Mahapatra, climate campaign lead of green group, the Environmental Investigation Agency.
“EIA commends China for initiating this comprehensive process to implement the Kigali Amendment and strengthen enforcement of existing controls over ozone-destroying chemicals,” she added.
