Refrigerant Trading Authorisation Frequently Asked Questions

Mail: Locked Bag 3033, Box Hill, Vic, 3128 Phone: 1300 88 44 83

For many in the refrigeration and air-conditioning industry, there simply isn’t enough time to read everything, but the need to stay up to date with industry developments is critical.

Below are just some of the more frequently asked questions concerning the role of the Australian Refrigeration Council (ARC) and the Australian Government’s licensing and compliance program and what it means for the individual, business or refrigerant wholesaler.

1)	Do importers of pre–charged refrigeration and air conditioning equipment require a Refrigerant Trading Authorisation?
	NO. Importers of equipment containing fluorocarbon based refrigerants require an import licence issued by The Department of the Environment and Water Resources. Further details can be found at http://www.environment.gov.au/atmosphere/ozone/licences/index.html

2)	What do I need to acquire, store or dispose of refrigerant gas?
	The Ozone Protection and Synthetic Greenhouse Management Regulations 1995 provide that persons or businesses that acquire, store or dispose of refrigerants must hold a current Refrigerant Trading Authorisation issued by ARC on behalf of the Australian Government. Businesses that acquire refrigerant (other than halon) for use in the manufacture of RAC must hold a current Refrigerant and Air-conditioning Equipment Manufacturing Trading Authorisation (RAEMTA). Since the amendments to the regulations, a new class of authorisation has been made available for businesses that have no need to purchase refrigerant. The Restricted Refrigerant Trading Authorisation (RRTA) allows the holder to acquire, possess and dispose of refrigerant provided that the refrigerant is only acquired by being recovered from equipment at the end of its useful life and it is only disposed of by being provided to the operator refrigerant destruction facility. All three types of Refrigerant Trading Authorisation can be obtained by submitting a Refrigerant Trading Authorisation application via the ARC website, http://www.arctick.org

3)	Is a Refrigerant Trading Authorisation required to sell pre-charged refrigeration or air conditioning units?
	NO. If the refrigerant is contained in equipment, such as a split system air conditioner, a Refrigerant Trading Authorisation is not required. However a refrigerant handling licence is required to install this type of equipment. You should note that restrictions on the sale of this type of equipment may apply in some states and territories. Restrictions can be checked with the relevant state or territory government authorities. A Pre-charged Equipment import licence is required if you intend to import refrigeration or air conditioning equipment that contains a HFC or HCFC refrigerant charge. More details can be found on the Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and Arts Website at: http://www.environment.gov.au/atmosphere/ozone/index.html

4)	Can my business be listed in “find an authorised organisation”?
	YES. Complete a Refrigerant Trading Authorisation application form and when approved your listing will appear under your nominated major activity.

5)	Are all refrigerants subject to national controls?
	No. There are national controls on all fluorocarbon refrigerants such as HCFCs, HFCs and CFCs. These refrigerants can damage the ozone layer and are potent greenhouse gases. Other ‘natural refrigerants’ such as ammonia and hydrocarbons are not subject to national controls. However their use may be controlled, for health and safety or consumer protection, by state authorities.