In Australia, the use and handling of ozone-depleting substances (ODS) and synthetic greenhouse gases (SGG) is regulated under the Ozone Protection and Synthetic Greenhouse Management Act 1989 and its regulations. These substances are widely used in refrigeration and air conditioning (RAC) equipment—commonly known as refrigerants—and cause serious environmental harm if released into the atmosphere.

Anyone working with regulated refrigerants in relation to RAC equipment must hold the appropriate permits issued by the Australian Refrigeration Council (ARC), such as a Refrigerant Handling Licence or a Refrigerant Trading Authorisation.

If you believe someone may be breaching, or has breached the law, you can report it using this form. Reports can be submitted anonymously.

Examples of breaches you can report to us:

• Unlawful discharges of regulated refrigerants into the atmosphere
• Unlicensed work that involves a risk of a regulated refrigerant being emitted
• ✔  Examples of work requiring a refrigerant handling licence: Installing or repairing air conditioning pipework, decommissioning fridges or air conditioners, servicing vehicle air conditioners that use R134a refrigerant
• ✘  Examples of work not requiring a refrigerant handling licence: Any plumbing, electrical or building work, cleaning air conditioner filters, servicing vehicle air conditioners that use R1234yf refrigerant
• Possession of refrigerant cylinders without a valid permit
• Breaches of permit conditions
• False claims of holding an ARC permit
• Advertising of RAC services without the required permits
• Note: It is acceptable for a business to advertise RAC services if they have an agreement with a licensed contractor to perform the work.

What we can’t do:

• Assist with consumer complaints (e.g. service quality, warranty issues, or pricing disputes)
• Contact licence holders on your behalf to resolve disputes
• Provide updates on investigations or disclose enforcement actions taken in response to reports

What happens next?

All reports submitted to ARC are reviewed by our compliance team to assess their relevance and the level of detail provided. The actions we take next depend on the nature of the report and the information available. In some cases, we may conduct further enquiries or engage directly with the individuals or businesses involved.

If a report concerns a high-risk issue or involves a party unwilling to comply, we may refer the matter to the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) for regulatory action.

Please note: To ensure procedural fairness and protect the privacy and safety of all parties, ARC does not provide updates or disclose outcomes—including any enforcement actions—in response to reports received.

Privacy collection notice

ARC collects your personal information on behalf of the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water to identify who is making a breach report and why. This information may be used to investigate potential non-compliance with the Ozone Protection and Synthetic Greenhouse Management Act 1989 and its regulations.

You can choose to submit a report anonymously. If you do provide personal information, care is taken during investigations to avoid disclosing any information that could identify you. However, we cannot prevent other parties from making assumptions about who may have raised an issue with the regulator.

Your personal information is protected under the Privacy Act 1988. For more information, see Privacy.

You may contact ARC on 1300 884 483 or enquire@arctick.org to request access to or correction of your personal information.

Submit an online report›

Frequently asked questions