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News Details

GPC - Global Product Compliance

METI to reduce use of fluorocarbons in air conditioners

2023-01-20 Reference source : Japan

METI GWP


On 12 December 2022, Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) of Japan notified the WTO of the proposal to reduce the use of fluorocarbons in air conditioners and meet global warming potential (GWP) targets. Companies are required to meet GWP objectives specified for certain goods by a target fiscal year under the Act on Rational Use and Proper Management of Fluorocarbons. Global warming potential is the heat absorbed by any greenhouse gas in the atmosphere, as a multiple of the heat that would be absorbed by the same mass of carbon dioxide (CO2).

Fluorocarbons are fluorinated carbon chain polymers, and they belong to the class of per- and polyfluorinated compounds (PFCs). PFCs are used in refrigerants and solvents and have been recognized as chemicals of concern for some time because of their persistence and ecological toxicity.

Following are the newly listed products and their targets:

Products

GWP target

Fiscal Year Target

Facility air conditioners

750

2027

Central air conditioner

750

2027

Gas engine heat pump air conditioners

750

2027

Automobile air conditioners

150

2029

Refrigerator and freezer

150

2029

The enforcement of the proposed changes is anticipated to begin in March 2023 after a 60-day comment period, with the exception of the labelling regulations, which would take effect in October 2023.

Japan establishes GWP targets for the sectors with the highest environmental effect and where non-fluorinated refrigerants or other low-GWP compounds are commercially accessible and energy efficient.



We acknowledge that the above information has been compiled from Japan.

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