Singapore Proposes Ban on Sale of Equipment and Vehicles Using HFCs with GWP over 150 
On September 8, 2025, Singapore’s National Environment Agency (NEA) released a draft regulation targeting equipment that uses hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) as refrigerants. Public consultation was held through September 19, 2025. The proposed regulation seeks to amend the Environmental Protection and Management Act to prohibit the sale of equipment with a global warming potential (GWP) exceeding 150, including commercial refrigerators, centralized refrigeration systems, passenger cars, and light goods vehicles (LGVs). If formally enacted, the regulation will take effect on April 1, 2027.
Proposed Ban on Equipment Containing HFCs with GWP over 150
The draft regulation proposes a ban on the sale of new equipment and vehicles containing HFC refrigerants with a GWP greater than 150. The following three categories are identified as candidates for regulation:
- Standalone Commercial Refrigerators
Factory-assembled systems with a refrigerant charge of 150 grams or less, used to cool and temporarily store perishable goods such as beverages and food for commercial sale. Specific examples include chillers, freezer cabinets, display cabinets, countertop refrigerators, and wine coolers. - Centralized Commercial Refrigeration Systems
Rack systems combining multiple compressors, including direct expansion systems, indirect systems, and semi-plug-in water loop systems. These are primarily used in food retail outlets such as supermarkets. - Passenger Cars and Light Goods Vehicles (LGVs)
Vehicle air-conditioning systems used to cool the passenger compartment.
A grace period for these newly regulated products is expected to extend through March 31, 2028. NEA is urging companies to dispose of existing stock by the end of the grace period and to fulfill any contractual obligations entered into before April 1, 2027.
In addition, the draft regulation proposes requirements related to refrigerant recovery and disposal operations.
Related Links
Public Consultation on Requirements for Equipment Containing Hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) Refrigerants
https://www.reach.gov.sg/latest-happenings/public-consultation-pages/2025/public-consultation-on-requirements-for-equipment-containing-hydrofluorocarbon–hfc–refrigerants
