Legislation & regulation

On 1 July 2005, the Australian Government implemented a licensing scheme to support regulations under the Ozone Protection and Synthetic Greenhouse Gas Management Act 1989, designed to reduce emissions of environmentally harmful refrigerant gases.

Under the Ozone Protection and Synthetic Greenhouse Gas Management Regulations 1995 (the Regulations), a Refrigerant Trading Authorisation is required when a business or individual wishes to acquire, store or dispose of refrigerant. A Refrigerant Trading Authorisation is subject to conditions and permit condition check processes designed to minimise the risk of emissions while the refrigerant is in the business or individual's possession.

Anyone wanting to install, service or repair an air conditioner, or any other piece of refrigeration and air conditioning equipment must be a licensed technician under the regulations. The holder of a Refrigerant Handling Licence is an individual who is qualified in their field of activity and has met the licensing requirements under the regulations.

Fast facts

• Ozone Protection and Synthetic Greenhouse Gas Management Act 1989 ›
• Ozone Protection and Synthetic Greenhouse Gas Management Regulations 1995 ›