INCORPORATING COLD CHAIN
EVENTS AND EXHIBITIONS
HCFC stakeholders struggle to action decisions
By John Ackermann
The final HCFC stakeholder meeting of 2017 took place on 6 December, discussing issues such as the reclaiming equipment destined for South Africa, the reporting of import figures, as well as the long-awaited proposed roadshow.
RECLAMATION UNITS
The stakeholder meeting was preceded by a meeting of the working group appointed to facilitate the distribution of the reclaiming equipment that is sponsored by the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation( UNIDO).
The shipment will consist of four reclaim stations, comprising the reclaim units, recovery and storage cylinders of different sizes( ranging from 12.5l to 400l), platform scales, gas analysers, charging hoses, and gauges.
The aim of the working group is to plan how this equipment will be used and where it should be located within South Africa. As part of this project, a study tour was planned to visit Argentina and Mexico to gain insight into the manner in which similar systems have been used to encourage the recovery of refrigerant.
From the report back at the stakeholder meeting, there was still no clarity as to where this equipment was to be placed. It was confirmed, however, that the equipment was already available and in storage in Europe. Included in the supply of the equipment would be training given by the equipment supplier, who would be coming to South Africa and training the people on site.
The feedback as to how this equipment was really going to be used was received with reservation. One got the impression that everyone had an attitude of‘ let’ s wait and see’.
SLOW PROGRESS
The attendance at the stakeholder meeting was fair but below average. It was chaired by Margaret Molefe of the Department of Environmental Affairs( DEA).
Lubabalo Maweni of the DEA expressed concern that a number of issues were discussed at the stakeholder meetings, but were never brought to finality; instead, they were passed on from one meeting to the next.
There was discussion around the mailing list and people were yet again asked to advise the DEA of any changes, as the list still included people who were no longer involved or around.
IMPORTS
Once again, it was said that the custom tariff headings had been finalised and would be published very soon. It would become effective as of January 2018.
The annual reporting of imports by permit holders created a lot of debate and discussion. Some of the importers had
been visited by the South African Revenue Services( SARS) and the DEA to verify figures and it was questioned as to the need to see invoices from overseas suppliers. The DEA confirmed that this was done merely to verify the figures and SARS is entitled to do an audit on import documentation. According to the DEA, the National Ozone Unit( NOU) was not trying to gain access to commercial information, but rather to verify importation volumes.
Considerable time was spent on this matter.
ROADSHOW
Another discussion was held on the proposed roadshow. The meeting was informed that the NOU planned to have four similar one-day forums during the month of March, to be held in Johannesburg, Durban, Port Elizabeth, and Cape Town. It was hoped that each of the meetings would draw at least 200 delegates, with 100 delegates in Port Elizabeth.( Ed’ s note: On 16 February, DEA sent out a notice:“ You are informed that the HPMP Roadshow, which was planned for March in four cities, has been rescheduled for mid-May 2018( exact dates will be communicated) due to unforeseen circumstances.”) The roadshow aims to inform the industry of all the key elements in South Africa’ s HCFC Phase-out Management Plan( HPMP). Although there has been much media coverage and announcements made regarding the phase out of HCFCs, the Montreal Protocol( MP), and the impact of HVAC & R systems on global warming, certain sectors of the industry are not even aware that R22 is being phased out in South Africa.
The signatories of the MP are already considering the phasing down of HFCs. The roadshow was planned to address these issues and provide an easy to use handbook with all the key elements that would make the phasing out of refrigerants that much easier to understand, instead of having to refer to the many documents and publications that have been produced since South Africa signed the MP in January 1990.
The proposed roadshow was received with much resistance at the meeting, with reservations centring around the justification for an expenditure of that nature when far more could be achieved by just informing people when visiting the wholesalers. Representatives from Macscool in particular felt that their constant contact with the many role players would achieve far more with less expenditure than the costly
Huffington Post
Despite much coverage on the phasing out of HCFCs, the Montreal Protocol, and the impact of HVAC & R systems on global warming, certain sectors of the industry are not even aware that R22 is being phased out in South Africa.
roadshows. It was highlighted that there are many, many small contractors who would never even contemplate attending a free one-day roadshow— they are too busy earning a living to even consider it.
The discussion emphasised the extent to which the industry is unregulated, considering that so many people are able to operate, service equipment, repair equipment, and buy refrigerants without any formal training in the safe handling of refrigerants and who are most likely never going to be registered by the South African Qualifications and Certification Committee for Gas( SAQCC Gas). It was estimated that the number of persons in South Africa who actually handle refrigerants during the course of their business varies between 4 000 and 10 000 and could even be as high as 12 000.
Barney Richardson of the South African Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Contractors Association( SARACCA) illuminated the topic further by confirming that those registered in all categories with SAQCC are only in the region of 2 000. Many also did not renew their registration, which lapses after three years.
The chairperson reassured everyone that she had noted all the comments, but considered it important that the roadshow should go ahead. The NOU would continue with the planning, as it would be vital for the realisation of the HPMP and formed part of the funding provided by UNIDO for its implementation.
An important part of the roadshow would be to distribute a handbook to serve as a reference to delegates once they leave the roadshow. The same book would be distributed to others who had been unable to attend the roadshow. Volunteers to assist in compiling the handbook were solicited. It was asked that information on the content be forwarded by 20 January for the book to be produced ahead of the roadshow in early March 2018. Even then, the time allotted was tight.( Ed.’ s note: By 20 January, two contributions had been received.)
The meeting was also reminded that the DEA would be sending out a letter of appeal to any suppliers or companies that were prepared to sponsor the roadshow in the form of delegate bags, pens, and the like.
TRAINING
When it came to training, Richardson advised that the entire training curriculum for artisans was in the process of being reviewed. The role players need to be aware of it and should check the media for announcements.
An update was provided on the pilot training project at the Capricorn TVET college in Mpumalanga, where a course in refrigeration was to be introduced. The first intake of students was set for March 2018.
IMPORT PERMITS
The requirement of a monetary value being stated on quotas and import permits for refrigerants was questioned. Between the time of the issuing of the permit and actual importation, the value could change significantly because of price increases by suppliers and exchange rate fluctuations. At times, the difference in value was questioned by customs and caused delays, even though the volume / mass of the importation was within the permit / quota.
The DEA gave the assurance that the matter would be investigated, as the monetary value was only required for the payment of VAT, for example, and imports should not be delayed if the volume / mass was within the quota / permit. CLA
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