CANBERRA: New South Wales-based dealer $12,600 AUD (€8,200) for importing vehicles with air-conditioning units containing an unnamed synthetic refrigerant gas with a global warming potential (GWP) of 1,430. The importer of the vehicles received the fine for not having an appropriate licence to import cars with air conditioners containing f-gases. The Department of the Environment and Energy noted in a press release that the firm “incurred significant warehousing costs and business delays” for not possessing an import licence for this equipment.
Australia began phasing-down HFCs this year under its updated Ozone Protection and Synthetic Greenhouse Gas Management Act A licence or exemption is required to import equipment containing high-GWP and ozone-depleting potential.The Australian government recommends importers and custom brokers check the legislation on importing or exporting goods containing refrigerants.They also note adequate time should be allowed to apply for a licence or exemption and can take up to 60 days.The maximum penalty for each import offence is $2,100,000.
