Phaseout of HCFCs

Through the Montreal Protocol on 

Substances that Deplete the Ozone 

Layer, the U.S. has committed to a 

collaborative international effort 

to end use of ozone-depleting 

substances. The U.S. phased out 

CFCs and halons in the mid 1990s. 

EPA is currently in the process 

of reducing HCFC production and 

import. 

The schedule to phase out HCFCs 

follows:

January 1, 2010

Banned production, import, and use 

of HCFC-22 and HCFC-142b, except 

for continuing servicing needs of 

existing equipment, achieving 75% of 

reduction goal. 

January 1, 2015

Ban on production, import, and use 

of all HCFCs, except for continuing 

servicing needs of refrigeration 

equipment, achieving 90% of 

reduction goal.

January 1, 2020

No production or imports of HCFC-22 

and HCFC-142b, achieving 99.5% of 

reduction goal.

January 1, 2030

Ban on remaining production 

and import of HCFCs, resulting in 

complete HCFC phase out.

Importance of Protecting the Ozone Layer 

The stratospheric ozone layer shields the Earth from the sun’s harmful 

ultraviolet radiation. Emissions of certain synthetic chemicals – including 

chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), halons, and hydrochlorofluorocarbons 

(HCFCs) – that are commonly used as refrigerants, solvents, and 

insulating foams destroy the ozone layer and have created an “ozone 

hole” over the South Pole. 

In addition, many of these ozone-depleting substances (ODS), as well 

as their substitutes, are greenhouse gases that contribute to climate 

change. The purpose of this fact sheet is to help you understand 

requirements under the National Recycling and Emission Reduction 

Program.

National Recycling and Emission Reduction Program

The Clean Air Act (CAA) defines EPA’s responsibilities for protecting 

and improving the nation’s air quality and the stratospheric ozone layer. 

Section 608 establishes the National Recycling and Emission Reduction 

Program.

The purpose of this program is to:

• Prohibit the release of CFCs, HCFCs, their blends, and substitute 

refrigerants during service, maintenance and repairs, and at end of 

life.

• Reduce the use and emission of CFCs and HCFCs.

• Maximize the recapture and recycling of CFCs and HCFCs.

• Ensure the safe disposal of CFCs, HCFCs, and their blends. 

Prohibition on Venting

Section 608 prohibits individuals from intentionally venting ODS 

refrigerants (including CFCs and HCFCs) and their substitutes (such 

as HFCs), while maintaining, servicing, repairing, or disposing of airconditioning or refrigeration equipment.

Section 608 of the Clean Air Act: 

Stationary Refrigeration and Air Conditioning
Enforcement

EPA performs random inspections, responds to tips, and pursues potential cases against 

violators of the Section 608 regulations. EPA is authorized to assess fines of up to $37,500 

per day for any violation of these regulations. 

REFRIGERANT 

RECOVERY AND 

RECYCLING EQUIPMENT 

Equipment must be certified by 

an EPA-approved testing 

organization to meet specific EPA 

requirements for refrigerant 

recovery efficiency

REFRIGERANT LEAKS

Industrial and commercial 

refrigeration equipment and 

comfort cooling equipment 

are subject to specific EPA 

requirements for leak repair

SERVICE 

PRACTICE 

REQUIREMENTS

Technicians must 

evacuate air-conditioning 

and refrigeration equipment to 

established vacuum levels 

during servicing and 

disposal

TECHNICIAN CERTIFICATION

Technicians servicing air-conditioning 

and refrigeration equipment must 

meet EPA certification criteria by 

passing an EPA-approved 

examination

REFRIGERANT SALES

RESTRICTIONS

Sale of ODS refrigerants is 

restricted to certified 

technicians

MAJOR RECORDKEEPING 

REQUIREMENTS

Service technicians, owners, and operators of 

large refrigeration and air-conditioning equipment, 

refrigerant wholesalers, and EPA-certified refrigerant 

reclaimers are required to maintain records documenting 

dates, refrigerant charge amounts, and related information for

equipment servicing and disposal

SAFE DISPOSAL 

REQUIREMENTS

When refrigeration and 

air-conditioning equipment 

enters the waste stream, the 

final person in the disposal chain 

must remove (or make certain 

that their customers have 

removed) refrigerants 

prior to appliance 

disposal

RECLAMATION 

Before recovered 

refrigerant can change 

ownership, it must be 

reclaimed to virgin 

specifications by a reclaimer

that meets EPA certification 

requirements

Section 608 

Regulatory 

Requirements

Section 608 Regulatory Requirements: Stationary Refrigeration and Air 

Conditioning

Additional Resources

EPA Ozone Layer Protection Website: 

epa.gov/ozone/strathome.html

EPA Section 608 Website: 

epa.gov/ozone/title6/608/

EPA Enforcement Website: 

epa.gov/ozone/enforce/

EPA Phaseout of Ozone-Depleting Substances Website:

epa.gov/ozone/title6/phaseout/

EPA Responsible Appliance Disposal Website: 

epa.gov/ozone/partnerships/rad/

EPA GreenChill Website:

epa.gov/greenchill/

EPA 430-F-10-040

EPA Stratospheric Ozone Information Hotline: 1-800-296-1996