The import, export and manufacture of hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC) has been controlled under the Ozone Protection and Synthetic Greenhouse Gas Management Act 1989 (the Act) since 1996.
A controlled substances licence is required to manufacture HCFCs and for the import and export of any amount of HCFC that is not contained in refrigeration or air conditioning equipment. A non-refundable application fee of $15000 is payable on application unless a waiver has been granted. Applications may take up to 60 days to process.
*Note: if you are applying to import, manufacture or export both HCFCs AND HFCs (or PFCs) a $30,000 application fee applies.
The Minister may waive the application fee for a controlled substances licence if:
- the licence is applied for to allow the manufacture, import or export of less than half a tonne of a scheduled substance; and
- the Minister is satisfied that the import, export or manufacture is for test purposes
To import or manufacture HCFCs, sufficient HCFC quota is also required. The maximum amount of quota that can be allocated is determined by the annual HCFC industry limit and the individual use of quota in part of the previous licence period.
| Calendar Year | HCFC Industry Limit (ODP tonnes per year) |
|---|---|
| 2008, 2009 | 100 |
| 2010, 2011 | 70 |
| 2012, 2013 | 40 |
| 2014, 2015 | 10 |
| 2016 – 2029 | 2.5 |
| 2030 | 0 |
In granting a licence, the Minister will consider whether the applicant is a fit and proper person. Section 16 of the Act lists matters to which the Minister may have regard in making this decision.
A HCFC controlled substances licence comes into force on the day specified on it and stays in force until the end of the licence period in which it is granted, unless it is cancelled or stops being in force for any other reason, before then. The current licensing period ends on 31 December 2009. The next licence period commences on 1 January 2010 and concludes on 31 December 2011.
- Controlled substance licence application form (PDF - 789 KB) | (Word - 309 KB)
- HCFC Quota application form (PDF - 333 KB) | (Word - 212 KB)
If you applying for a licence in the name of a trustee, all trustees of the trust must declare their suitability to hold a licence under the Act.
Quarterly Reporting & Levy Requirements
Holders of a controlled substances licence are required to provide quarterly reports to the Minister and pay a levy based on the quantity of substances imported at the end of each quarter. The levy is $3000 per ozone depleting potential (ODP) tonne for HCFCs. Importers of HCFCs for use as a feedstock must also lodge quarterly reports.
More information
If you would like more information about the Ozone Protection and Synthetic Greenhouse Gas Management Act's licensing system, please contact
Ozone and Synthetic Gas Team.
Phone: +61 2 6274 1237
Fax: +61 2 6274 1610
Email: ozone@environment.gov.au
See Also
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