Member Matters

AFGC lodges submission on refrigerant restrictions

28 October 2026

The AFGC has lodged a brief submission to the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water’s consultation on proposed IChEMS scheduling decisions for hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) and hydrofluoroolefins (HFOs).

The proposals would require new cold chain refrigeration equipment to use refrigerants with a global warming potential below 150 from 1 January 2028. While supporting the transition to lower-emissions refrigerants, the AFGC highlighted the significant costs it will impose on food and grocery manufacturers. These include higher prices for compliant equipment and site modifications, rising service costs for existing equipment as refrigerant supply tightens, and a shortage of technicians trained to work with the alternatives.

On implementation, the AFGC recommended a staged approach, with an interim limit from 2028 and a lower limit from 2030. It also called for testing and supply constraints on compliant equipment to be addressed, clearer equipment definitions, a single national framework for HFOs, and targeted transition support.

Members with questions or further information on the impacts for their operations are encouraged to get in touch.