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| Vehicle Standards Bulletin VSB10 - Importing Vehicles to Australia IMPORTANT NOTICE VEHICLE IMPORTERS This notice provides information about vehicles equipped with an air conditioner that may be subject to the provisions of the Ozone Protection and Synthetic Greenhouse Gas Management Act 1989. This Act is administered by the Department of Environment and Heritage and does not fall within DOTARS' area of responsibility. See below for contact details. Refrigerant R12 (also known as CFC-12, Freon, dichlorodifluoromethane) is a banned substance. Where vehicle air conditioners are charged with R12 it will need to be evacuated before import (that is overseas) and will require the filler valve and the receiver drier to be removed. Most vehicles built before 1996 which have air conditioning will be charged with R12 refrigerant. It is also important to note that the Ozone Protection and Synthetic Greenhouse Gas Management Act 1989 prohibits the importation of any equipment that may only operate by using a CFC refrigerant. Any seals, hoses, oil or other components that are only R12 compatible must also be removed and/or replaced. It is recommended that the system be retrofitted in accordance with the Australian Automotive Code of Practice for the reduction of emissions of flurocarbons in motor vehicle air conditioners. Documentary evidence should be held by importers of all used vehicles confirming that, in the case of R12 equipped vehicles, the refrigerant has been evacuated and the relevant air conditioner system parts have been removed. Importers of vehicles where the air conditioner is charged with other HCFC or HFC refrigerants eg R134a will require a licence. If the R134a refrigerant has been evacuated and documentary evidence is held to confirm that, the licence is not required. R12 arrangements apply immediately. Pre-charged Equipment licences for HCFCs and HFCs arrangements apply from 1 April 2004. Detailed information is available www.deh.gov.au/atmosphere/ozone/. |