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China to Ban HCFC-141b Use in Three Industries
On Oct 18, MEE announced that use of HCFC-141b, a.k.a. Dichlorofluoroethane, will be prohibited in three industries, namely refrigerator & freezer [1], refrigerated containers [2] and water heaters [3] from Jan 1, 2019.
[1] Refrigerator & freezer refer to refrigerating appliances stipulated in GB/T8059-2016 and GB/T 21001.1
[2] Refrigerated containers refer to refrigerated and insulated containers stipulated in ISO1496-1
[3] Water heaters refer to electrical storage water heaters stipulated in GB/T20289-2006
HCFCs are one of the 8 types of ODSs with relatively small ODP (Ozone Depletion Potential) of less than 0.2, thus it is subject to a later phase-out schedule than other types of ODSs. As China signed the Montreal Protocol, China has phased out other ODS categories and shall incrementally decrease HCFC consumption and production, culminating in comprehensive HCFC phase-out by 2030. According to the stipulations of the Protocol, the usage of HCFC must be reduced by at least 35% below the baseline levels in 2020 and at least 67.5% below the baseline levels in 2025.
*Baseline levels refer to the average consumption in 2009 and 2010.
There are a few HCFCs commonly used amongst the 40 HCFCs mentioned in the list of controlled ODSs, and HCFC-141b is given high priority in the phase-out schedule. Despite the approaching deadline, given the proactively update among Industry in 2017, the phase-out of HCFC-141b will scarcely affect the three industries.
In recent years, China has placed significant priority on the development, implementation and promotion of environmentally sustainable industry, maintaining an unwavering dedication to addressing both its short and long term environmental goals.
