生态环境部拟发文禁止生产以HFCs为制冷剂的家用电冰箱和冷柜产品

Core Viewpoint - The Ministry of Ecology and Environment has proposed a draft to ban the production of household refrigerators and freezers using hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) as refrigerants starting from January 1, 2026, marking a significant step towards environmental protection and compliance with international agreements [1][2]. Group 1: Regulatory Changes - The draft aims to phase out HFCs, which are potent greenhouse gases and significant contributors to ozone layer depletion, by promoting the use of more environmentally friendly refrigerants like R600a, which has a low global warming potential [1]. - The Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol, accepted by China in 2021, sets a target to reduce global HFCs by at least 80% over the coming decades, with the formal implementation in China starting in September 2021 [2]. Group 2: Industry Impact - The 2025 plan outlines a 10% reduction in the production and usage of HFCs compared to baseline values, with a specific quota reduction of 51,241 tons for 2025 compared to 2024 [3]. - The Chinese home appliance industry has seen significant growth, with total revenue reaching 1.84 trillion yuan and total profits of 156.5 billion yuan in 2023, while also achieving over 50% of global production share in major home appliance products [3]. Group 3: Compliance and Enforcement - The draft mandates that relevant departments ensure companies comply with the regulations regarding the elimination of HFCs in household refrigeration, with penalties for violations enforced by local environmental authorities [4].