Commercial Information Circulars

24-hour hotline : 23 922 922

e-mail address : enquiry@tid.gov.hk

Ref. : EIC 111/2

26 October 2023

Dear Sirs,

Commercial Information Circular No. 776/2023

US : Restrictions on the Use of Certain Hydrofluorocarbons

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) published in the Federal Register (FR) notice of 24 October 2023 a final rule restricting the use of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) in specific sectors or subsectors.

2.The rule establishes a process for submitting technology transitions petitions; establishes recordkeeping and reporting requirements; and addresses certain other elements related to the effective implementation of the American Innovation and Manufacturing Act. The rule is effective on 26 December 2023.

3.Among others, the rule prohibits the manufacture, import, or installation of certain equipment across approximately 40 subsectors, either based on overall global warming potential (GWP) limits or restrictions on use of specific HFCs. The compliance dates for these restrictions vary depending on the subsector ranging from 1 January 2025 to 1 January 2028. For details, please refer to the FR notice at https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2023-10-24/pdf/2023-22529.pdf.

ENQUIRIES

4.For enquiries concerning the content of this circular, please contact Miss K Y HO at telephone number 2398 5405.

Yours faithfully,

(Miss Kwany KOU)
for Director-General of Trade and Industry

Note: While every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the above information, the Department cannot guarantee this to be so and will not be held liable for any reliance placed on the same.