Changes to the licence scheme in 2018

In 2016 a review of the Ozone Protection and Synthetic Greenhouse Gas Management Program – including the refrigeration and air conditioning (RAC) licence scheme - was completed by the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, following extensive consultation with RAC industry stakeholders through public consultation and targeted consultation with industry representatives.

The review identified a number of measures to be implemented. Two measures which relate to the RAC licence scheme are listed below:

3-year refrigerant handling licences (RHL) & refrigerant trading authorisations (RTA)

• From 1 Jan 2018 to 31 Dec 2018 a new option for a three (3) year RHL and RTA became available – along with the standard permit durations (transition period)
• From 1 Jan 2019 onwards the duration for all RHLs (except for trainee RHL) and RTAs can be one (1), two (2) or three (3) years.
• Costs for the 3 year RTA/RHL are the annual fee applied over three years.
• Trainee RHLs default to 1 year in duration.

If, after the transition period, applicants have genuine concerns or a legitimate reason to seek a shorter permit duration there is scope for deviating from the default period of three years for full permit holders or one year for trainee permit holders.

Update to RTA and RHL re-application process

From 1 Jan 2018 the process for re-applying for your RTA or RHL was streamlined, becoming a ‘renewal’ process, compared to a re-application. The renewal option is only be available for RHL or RTA holders renewing before or at 30 days prior to their permit expiring. If it is within 30 days of expiry, the normal application process applies.

Benefits for industry

These measures seek to reduce the administrative cost of the Regulations on business by reducing the length of time a business or individual needs to spend, over the longer-term, gathering information together and applying for a permit.