No Environmental Clearance for New HFC Production After 2027

The government has issued a directive to all state and central authorities to stop granting environmental clearances for any new or additional production of Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) after December 31, 2027. This move is aimed at strengthening efforts to combat climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.From January 1, 2028, India will freeze HFC consumption and production at baseline levels, marking the beginning of the phase-down trajectory.

The policy is expected to be implemented through amendments to the Ozone Depleting Substances (Regulation and Control) Rules, extending regulatory control to HFCs.The direction is in line with India’s commitments under the Kigali Amendment to phase down HFCs, potent greenhouse gases used in refrigeration and air conditioning.

HFCs (Hydrofluorocarbons)

¨   HFCs are synthetic refrigerant gases widely used in air conditioning, refrigeration, aerosols, and fire suppression systems.

¨  They were introduced as alternatives to ozone-depleting substances CFCs and HCFCs, which were phased out under the landmark Montreal Protocol of 1989.

¨    While they have zero ozone‑depletion potential (ODP), they have extremely high global warming potential (GWP)—up to 14,800 times that of CO₂ over 100 years—making them a major driver of climate change.

¨  HFCs account for 2% of total GHG emissions globally, but their increasing use in developing economies has made them a key target for climate mitigation efforts.

Montreal Protocol and Kigali Amendment

¨     The Montreal Protocol (1987) is a landmark global treaty aimed at phasing out ozone-depleting substances, widely regarded as one of the most successful environmental agreements.

¨   The Kigali Amendment (2016) extended the protocol to include phasing down HFCs, recognising their high climate impact.

¨     India ratified the Kigali Amendment in2021, committing to a gradual reduction in HFC production and consumption.

¨     India has agreed to a phase-down schedule from January 1, 2028, onwards, which will see 10 per cent reduction in HFCs by 2032, rising up to 85 per cent by 2047.

¨   Globally, the amendment is expected to avoid up to 0.5°C of global warming by 2100, making it a critical climate mitigation instrument.

India’s Roadmap to Phase Out HFCs

Reduction Targets:

¨     10% reduction by 2032

¨     20% reduction by 2037

¨     30% reduction by 2042

¨     85% reduction by 2047

Baseline Years: 2024–2026 for calculating HFC consumption and production levels.Freeze Year: 2028 (consumption and production capped at baseline levels).