The Department of Agriculture, Water and Environment has issued an infringement notice to a company for breaching the Ozone Protection and Synthetic Greenhouse Gas Management Act 1989.
The Victorian company was issued a $13,320 infringement notice for breaching licencing requirements by importing equipment that contained a synthetic greenhouse gas without a licence.
The department’s investigation found that the company imported heat pumps, used to heat water in domestic hot water systems, containing a potent synthetic greenhouse gas, hydrofluorocarbon R410a.
It is a contravention of the legislation to import equipment containing these gases without the required licence.
Import licensing requirements are in place under Australia’s laws to protect the ozone layer and climate system.
Importers are reminded to ensure they have an import licence in place before attempting to bring these items into the country, without the correct licences it can be a costly mistake.
Contravention of the legislation can result in civil penalties of up to $2.22 million.
Further information on Australia’s ozone protection and synthetic greenhouse gas laws can be found here:
