Tunisia to ban high-impact refrigerant imports and production by 2027

Tunisia plans to ban the import and local manufacture of various devices using certain high-climate-impact refrigerants starting January 1, 2027. This environmental reform targets hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), a group of gases used to produce cooling in many everyday appliances.

The ban is expected to affect several categories of equipment, including domestic split-system air conditioners, refrigerators, freezers, and water dispensers. While HFCs do not directly deplete the ozone layer like chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), many possess a high global warming potential.

This transition aligns with the objectives of the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol, which aims to reduce the use of these gases. The shift may lead to changes in available technologies, consumer choices, and potential impacts on pricing, maintenance, and safety for users in the Tunisian market.