New import and export controls on hydrofluorocarbons to take effect next month
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The Government completed the amendments to the Ozone Layer Protection Ordinance in April this year to implement the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer, which was adopted by the United Nations to strengthen the regulation of HFCs and establish corresponding phase-down targets and schedules, with a view to working together with the international community in addressing climate change.
An Environmental Protection Department (EPD) spokesman said, "Starting from December 1, 2025, any person intending to import regulated HFCs for local consumption must hold a valid import quota and apply for an import licence for each consignment."
The spokesman stated that Hong Kong will gradually tighten the import quota in accordance with the schedule for phasing down the import, export, and consumption of HFCs established under the Kigali Amendment, with the ultimate goal of reducing the consumption of HFCs by 85 per cent from the baseline level by 2036.
To help the trades understand the new control requirements, the EPD has earlier written to stakeholders, including importers, exporters, and distributors of HFCs and related products to detail the implementation specifics of the new controls. The EPD has also held workshops to provide briefings on the application procedures, and has conducted visits to users of HFCs, logistics companies, and relevant trade associations to provide guidance. Relevant information has been uploaded to the EPD's dedicated website (olpo.epd.gov.hk/en/info).
For any enquiries regarding the import and export control measures of HFCs, please contact the EPD at 3153 2384 or via email at olpoenq@epd.gov.hk.
Ends/Monday, November 24, 2025
Issued at HKT 12:00
Issued at HKT 12:00
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