Synthetic gases
The ‘synthetic’ greenhouse gases included in the emissions trading scheme are hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), perflourocarbons (PFCs) and sulphur hexaflouride (SF6). Hydroflourocarbons are used in the refrigeration and air-conditioning, aerosol, fire protection and foam-blowing industries. Perfluorocarbons are used in refrigeration and air-conditioning, and sulphur hexafluoride is used in electrical switching equipment and in scientific applications.
People who import synthetic greenhouse gases either in bulk or contained within products or appliances will be participants in the emissions trading scheme. Those who re-export synthetic greenhouse gases for destruction or contained in manufactured equipment are eligible to receive free emission units.
Participants can start reporting their importing or exporting activities voluntarily from 1 January 2011. Participants will be required to report the amount of synthetic greenhouse gases they imported from 1 January 2012.
Importers of synthetic gases will have obligations to surrender emission units from 1 January 2013.
Importers of synthetic gases won’t receive a free allocation of emission units because they’ll be able to pass the costs of their emission trading scheme obligations onto customers.
Exporting synthetic greenhouse gases is an activity that is eligible for receiving emission units; however, this isn’t considered part of the emissions trading scheme allocation process but is classed as a ‘removal activity’.
Regulations will be developed and released for public consultation over 2009 and 2010.
Last updated: 15 September 2008
