IMPORTING AND EXPORTING
SYNTHETIC GREENHOUSE GAS AND
OZONE DEPLETING SUBSTANCES
The import and export of Synthetic Greenhouse Gases (SGGs)
and Ozone Depleting Substances (ODSs) into and from
Australia is prohibited under the Customs (Prohibited Imports)
Regulations 1956 (PI Regulations) and the Customs (Prohibited
Export) Regulations 1958 (PE Regulations) without a licence.
WHAT ARE SGGs AND ODSs?
WHAT ARE THE COMMON USES OF SGGs
AND ODSs IN AUSTRALIA?
Some of the most common uses of these goods include:
• refrigerant gases in air-conditioning and refrigeration equipment
(domestic, automotive and others)
• in some fire extinguishers
Ozone depleting substances (ODSs) are those substances which
deplete the ozone layer and are widely used in refrigerators, air
conditioners, fire extinguishers, in dry cleaning, as solvents for
cleaning, electronic equipment and as agricultural fumigants.
• in foam blowing agents
Ozone depleting substances controlled by
the Montreal Protocol include:
LICENSING INFORMATION
• Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)
• Halon
• Carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)
• Methyl chloroform (CH3CCl3)
• Hydrobromofluorocarbons (HBFCs)
• Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs)
• Methyl Bromide (CH3Br)
• Bromochloromethane (CH2BrCl).
SGGs are similar in use to ODSs and most have a
very high global warming potential and are listed
in the Kyoto Protocol. SGGs include:
• hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs)
• perfluorocarbons (PFCs)
• sulfur hexafluoride (SF6 ).
Further information on the Montreal Protocol and the Kyoto
Protocol can be found at www.environment.gov.au
• in some aerosol products
• an insulating gas in the electricity supply industry.
From 1 July 2012 there will be changes to the licensing
regime for SGGs and ODSs. For more information on this
matter please contact the Department of Sustainability,
Environment, Water, Populations and Communities
(DSEWPaC) on 02 6274 1373 or further information can be
found on their website at www.environment.gov.au
Changes to the current PI and PE Regulations
From 1 July 2012, as part of the Australian Government’s Clean
Energy Future Plan, synthetic greenhouse gases will have
additional licensing controls and also have an equivalent carbon
price applied to them. To cover all SGGs listed on the Kyoto
Protocol, Sulfur Hexafluoride (SF6 ) will be added to the prohibited
goods schedules on import or export into or from Australia.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
For more information on any Customs and Border Protection
matter, contact the Customs Information and Support Centre on
1300 363 263 or email [email protected]
or browse the website www.customs.gov.au
June 2012