South Africa Cuts R22 Refrigerant Import Quota to 2.5% for 2026

Refrigerant

SOUTH AFRICA: South Africa’s HVAC-R sector is preparing for a major shift as the country reduces its R22 import quota to 2.5% of current consumption starting in 2026, a move aligned with commitments under the Montreal Protocol. According to SARACCA Executive Director David Botha, the reduced limit means only 80 to 100 tons of R22 will enter the market for servicing and repair. “This reduction is intended to minimise the environmental impact of R22, which is known to deplete the ozone layer and contribute to global warming,” he said, noting that the transition strategy promotes alternatives such as HFOs and other low-GWP refrigerants. SARACCA continues to focus on education, training, and industry readiness as it supports technicians and businesses transitioning away from HCFCs.

Recovery of existing R22 remains a key challenge, with Botha highlighting that only 2% of total imports are being recovered, despite widespread installed equipment still running on R22. The South African government and SARACCA are working to improve recovery rates while ensuring that only qualified, registered personnel handle refrigerants in line with safety and environmental regulations. A-GAS, a global leader in refrigerant lifecycle management, states that industry players face three options maintain and retrofit, invest in flexible equipment, or adopt natural refrigerants emphasizing that choosing the right pathway is essential for regulatory compliance and long-term sustainability.

Source: Cape Business News