Core Viewpoint - The Ministry of Ecology and Environment has announced a draft regulation to prohibit the production of household refrigerators and freezers using hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) as refrigerants, aiming to comply with the Montreal Protocol and promote a transition to low-carbon and environmentally friendly technologies [1][2]. Group 1: Regulatory Framework - The regulation will take effect on January 1, 2026, and will apply to household refrigerators and freezers as defined by GB/T 8059 standards [2]. - Local environmental authorities will enforce compliance and penalize companies that violate the regulation [2]. - China accepted the Kigali Amendment in September 2021, committing to phased reductions in HFCs production and usage [2]. Group 2: Industry Context - Prior to 2007, the household refrigerator and freezer industry primarily used CFC-12 as a refrigerant, which has since been completely phased out [3]. - Currently, the industry mainly uses isobutane (R600a) as a refrigerant, with HFCs accounting for less than 6% of total production, primarily HFC-134a [3]. - In 2023, approximately 1,400 tons of HFC-134a were used in the production of household refrigerators and freezers, representing less than 2% of the total national usage of HFC-134a [3]. - The technology for using isobutane as a low-carbon alternative is well-established and has been commercially viable since 2000, making it a cost-effective substitute for HFCs [3]. Group 3: Public Engagement - The draft regulation and its explanatory notes have been published on the Ministry's website, inviting feedback from organizations and individuals until August 22, 2025 [4].

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].