JP Act on Rationalizing the Use of Fluorocarbons and Appropriately Managing Their Recovery
ENFORCEMENT TIMELINE
Fully enforced April 2015 (Substantially strengthened in 2020 and 2025)
Overview
The fluorocarbon emission control framework requires businesses to comprehensively manage the full life cycle of fluorocarbons, including CFCs, HCFCs, and HFCs, which deplete the ozone layer and contribute to global warming, covering manufacture, use, inspection, recovery, reclamation, and destruction. Owners or managers of commercial air conditioning and refrigeration equipment classified as Class I designated products are required to conduct periodic inspections, report any leaks, and ensure that fluorocarbons are properly recovered when equipment is disposed of.
Enforcement Timeline
2001: The Act on Recovery and Destruction of Fluorocarbons is enacted.
April 2015: The revised law takes full effect, renamed the Act on Rationalizing the Use of Fluorocarbons, making leak-prevention measures during equipment use mandatory.
April 2020: A further revision takes effect, introducing direct criminal penalties and strengthening confirmation requirements at the time of building demolition, aimed at improving recovery rates when equipment is disposed of.
From 2024 onward: The shift toward green refrigerants accelerates as Japan advances its staged reduction plan for HFC production and consumption under the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol.
Business Impact
Businesses that own commercial air conditioning or refrigeration equipment must conduct simple inspections at least once every three months, carry out periodic inspections, submit annual reports on calculated leakage above a certain volume, and properly manage transfer certificates when equipment is disposed of.