The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) has announced plans to phase out the importation of Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), commonly used as refrigerants, by the end of 2025.
In a notice issued on Wednesday, December 18, NEMA stated that importers will only be allowed to bring HCFCs into Kenya until December 2025, marking a significant step toward environmental conservation. HCFCs, which are primarily used in air conditioners and refrigerators, are known to contribute to ozone layer depletion.
“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,” the statement read.
Kenya has been allocated a quota of 171.6 tons of HCFCs for 2025. Starting January 1, 2026, no HCFC imports will be permitted.
To comply with these regulations, importers and dealers of refrigerant gases are required to obtain licenses through the Kenya Electronic Single Window System by February 28, 2025.
“Applications for licenses shall be made online, and any importation of these substances without a valid license shall constitute an offence under the Environmental Management and Co-ordination (Controlled Substances) Regulations, 2007,” NEMA emphasized.
The authority’s decision aligns with Kenya’s commitment to the Montreal Protocol, an international treaty aimed at protecting the ozone layer by phasing out ozone-depleting substances. This move underscores NEMA’s dedication to safeguarding the environment and promoting sustainable practices.
