The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) has announced plans to phase out the importation of Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFC) used as refrigerants.
In a notice dated Wednesday, December 18, NEMA announced that the importation of the products would be phased out in one year.
HCFCs are gases that are used in air conditioners and refrigerators.
Therefore, importers of the gases will only be allowed to bring the products into the country until December 2025.
Public Notice to All Importers of Refrigeration and Air Conditioning (RAC) Gases. pic.twitter.com/d37CV0QVJx
— NEMA Kenya (@NemaKenya) December 18, 2024
According to NEMA, the move was informed by the environmental effects that the gases have on the environment especially its role in depleting the ozone layer.
"All importers are notified that the year 2025 will be the last year allowed for Kenya to import HCFC under the Montreal Protocol and the attendant amendments, of which Kenya is a signatory and has ratified the same," read the statement in part.
"Based on the quota system, Kenya is eligible to import 171.6 tons for the year 2025. Importers are hereby reminded that the phase-out date for importation of HCFC for Kenya is 1st January 2026."
On the other hand, importers and dealers of gases used in fridges and refrigerators were advised to ensure they apply for licences from the environmental body.
"All applications for the licenses shall be made online through the Kenya Electronic Single Window System website. The deadline for application is 28th February 2025," NEMA added.
"All importers are hereby notified that importation of these substances without a valid license shall be an offence under the Environmental Management and Co-ordination (Controlled Substances) Regulations, 2007."
