BUSINESS AND TRAINING |
INCORPORATING COLD CHAIN |
|||||||||
|
consumption from 2020 to 2022 , expressed in CO 2 equivalent tons . This baseline also includes 65 % of historic HCFC consumption . South Africa is aiming for an ambitious 80 % reduction in HFC use by 2045 . The first critical milestone is a 10 % reduction by 2029 , which requires immediate and substantial preparation . There are subsequent targets of 30 % by 2035 , 50 % by 2040 , and an 80 % reduction by 2045 . The importance of these milestones was emphasised , as they will influence the effectiveness of future reductions .
Countries have the flexibility to introduce intermediate steps to ease the transition , helping industries adapt and minimise stress during the phase-down process . This approach allows for a more manageable adjustment period and ensures smoother implementation .
Kochova emphasised that the initial freeze on HFC consumption began this year , in 2024 . South Africa ratified the Kigali Amendment in August 2019 , marking a commitment to this phase-down strategy . As part of the KIP , the preparatory phase involves aligning regulatory measures , engaging industry stakeholders , and adopting alternative technologies to ensure a smooth transition .
A key component of KIP ’ s success is the implementation of an HFC licensing system . This system will be supported by updated harmonised system ( HS ) codes , which have been revised to include new headings for mixtures containing halogenated substances . The World Customs Organization ' s latest edition of the Harmonized System , released in April , provides these updated codes , which are essential for accurate monitoring of HFC imports and exports .
The revised HS codes categorise HFCs under heading 29.03 and mixtures containing them under heading 38.27 . This categorisation is crucial for aligning global customs and trade practices with environmental regulations . The new system will aid in tracking and reporting , ensuring transparency and compliance with the Kigali Amendment ’ s requirements .
CHALLENGES AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Kochova also highlighted the challenges posed by non-specific tariff codes , which can complicate the accurate calculation and monitoring of CO 2 equivalent emissions from certain refrigerants . The ‘ other ’ category in tariff codes has been identified as a potential issue that may hinder effective reporting and enforcement .
To address these challenges , Kochova recommended that countries enhance their monitoring systems and adopt the updated HS codes to facilitate compliance and reporting . She emphasised the importance of preparing for these changes well in advance of the 2029 target , including regulatory updates and stakeholder engagement .
As countries like South Africa work towards meeting their Kigali Amendment obligations , the strategies outlined by UNIDO will play a pivotal role in reducing the environmental impact of HFCs and advancing global climate goals .
One significant challenge highlighted was the complexity of tracking HFCs in blends . The Kigali Amendment ’ s new controls apply to various HFCs , but determining the
|
exact composition and proportion of these substances in mixtures can be difficult . This challenge is particularly pertinent for countries calculating their HFC baselines and ensuring accurate reporting .
The presentation also stressed the importance of updating tariff codes to improve oversight of refrigerant imports and exports . For the foam sector , it is crucial that tariff codes include blended foams to ensure comprehensive tracking of substances used across different applications .
Kochova reported that over 160 countries have ratified the Kigali Amendment , representing more than three-quarters of the global community . This broad adoption reflects the commitment to the Montreal Protocol ’ s goals and the universal acceptance of the Kigali Amendment ’ s measures .
SA ’ S REDUCTION TARGETS AND IMPLEMENTATION
South Africa ’ s commitment to the Kigali Amendment was reaffirmed , with a focus on its reduction milestones . The preparatory phase for South Africa ' s Kigali Implementation Plan ( KIP ) includes developing terms of reference , conducting a desk study , and engaging stakeholders . Key activities include :
• Draft documents and stakeholder feedback are being reviewed to finalise the KIP
• A consultancy is assisting with HFC baseline calculations and import quotas , aligning with data from the SARS database and customs activities
• Reviewing the regulatory framework and identifying challenges , along with proposing solutions and training activities , is underway
Kochova noted the importance of aligning import quotas and reporting requirements with the updated HS codes and ensuring data accuracy . She also highlighted ongoing efforts to address challenges , including updating regulatory measures and increasing stakeholder awareness .
NEXT STEPS
One query focused on reconciling discrepancies in emission data , specifically comparing recent figures with previous research . Kochova clarified that the data presented , derived from a recent Daikin presentation , reflects global emissions across the HVAC sector , including both direct refrigerant emissions and indirect emissions from electricity consumption .
A major point of discussion was the interplay between energy efficiency and HFC phase-down efforts . The reduction of HFCs alone does not necessarily equate to lower overall greenhouse gas emissions if energy consumption remains high . Kochova acknowledged that while transitioning to more efficient systems could potentially reduce energy usage , the source of electricity — whether green or fossil fuelbased — also significantly impacts emissions . Demonstration projects in South Africa are exploring how different technologies and refrigerants affect both energy efficiency and greenhouse gas emissions . These projects aim to provide data on the benefits of lower- GWP options and natural refrigerants while maintaining or improving energy efficiency . Kochova emphasised that the Kigali
Amendment mandates a dual focus on
|
The audience in attendance in Gauteng .
reducing HFCs and improving energy efficiency . This means that while reducing refrigerant GWP is essential , equally important is ensuring that new systems are energy-efficient to avoid compensating for reduced refrigerant emissions with higher energy consumption .
The complexity of tariff codes for refrigerants was another significant topic . A common challenge is the ‘ other ’ category in tariff headings , which makes it difficult to accurately monitor and control the import and export of various refrigerants . This category often includes a broad range of substances , complicating efforts to track specific refrigerants and manage quotas effectively .
Kochova suggested that the best approach to overcoming this challenge is to establish specific subheadings within tariff codes for different refrigerants . This would simplify tracking and reporting , making it easier to manage HFC quotas and ensure compliance with the Kigali Amendment . She pointed out that some countries have successfully implemented separate tariff codes for specific refrigerants , aligning with guidelines from the World Customs Organisation .
In response to queries about implementation in other countries , Kochova noted that several nations are already in the advanced stages of their KIPs . These countries are actively working on achieving the first 10 % reduction targets and addressing national-level activities to support the phasedown process .
She also reiterated that while some countries have integrated energy efficiency into their Kigali plans , others have opted to treat it as a separate focus area . This dual approach — addressing both HFC reductions and energy efficiency — ensures that comprehensive strategies are in place to meet climate goals effectively .
DETAILED IMPORT AND EXPORT FIGURES
The customs data , presented in kilogrammes , includes information on eight key HFCs . The primary substances covered are :
• HFC-134a : A widely used pure HFC
• HFC-32 : Another common refrigerant
• HCFC-407 : A blend of HCFCs and HFCs
• HCFC-50 : Another HCFC blend
• HCFC-714a : A specific HCFC blend
• HFC-404a : A popular refrigerant blend
• HFC-417 : A blend which may include combinations like 417C and 417F
The data , although limited to July 2024 , offers a snapshot of the current import and export trends of these refrigerants . The information is crucial for understanding the flow of these substances and assessing
|
compliance with the Kigali Amendment ' s phase-down targets .
Moreover , the classification of refrigerants , especially blends , adds a layer of complexity to data interpretation . The presence of mixed refrigerants like HCFC-407 and HFC-417 , which can include various components , complicates accurate reporting and monitoring . These complexities underscore the need for more detailed and specific data to ensure effective management and compliance with phase-down schedules .
As South Africa continues to align its practices with the Kigali Amendment , addressing these data challenges is essential . Enhanced data collection methods , more specific tariff codes , and improved reporting mechanisms will be crucial in tracking refrigerant flows accurately and ensuring compliance with international agreements .
The ongoing efforts to refine import and export data , coupled with the implementation of robust tracking systems , will support South Africa in meeting its HFC reduction targets and advancing its environmental goals . CLA
The Department of Forestry , Fisheries and the Environment ( DFFE ) hosted the HFC Phase Down Workshop on 16 / 17 September .
|