Australian Customs Notice No. 2024/24 Import prohibition on certain small air conditioning equipment

The Australian Border Force (ABF) have published ACN 2024/24 in relation to the Import prohibition on certain small air conditioning equipment effective 1 July 2024.

Small air conditioning equipment is defined in the OPSGGM Regulations as any of the following:

· the outdoor unit of a single head split system air conditioning system
· a portable air conditioning system
· an air conditioning system that consists of a single unit designed to be mounted on a wall or window.    

Importers can apply for an equipment licence from the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW), for the import of the above equipment in certain circumstances, including if:  

· the equipment is essential for medical, veterinary, defence, industrial or public safety, or scientific purposes, and no practical and effective alternative exists
· the equipment is incidental to the main import, and it is impractical to remove or retrofit the equipment (for example, equipment incorporated into a drilling rig).

The import prohibition does not apply to air conditioning equipment that is:

· an outdoor unit for a ducted system
· an outdoor unit for a multi-head split system air conditioning system
· designed for use in motor vehicles, caravans, aircraft, boats or other mobile units
· designed for use in electrical enclosures and computer rooms
· air-to-water equipment, such as units for hydronic home heating systems or swimming pool heat pumps.

The import prohibition does not apply to equipment that is imported under the low volume exemption, the personal use exemption or the temporary import exemption. 

Further information regarding the new import prohibition, affected equipment and refrigerants, and how to apply for an import licence, can be found at Equipment Licences (EQPLs) - DCCEEW or email ozone@dcceew.gov.au