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System Framework:
U.S. Environmental Emissions and Pollution Control System

US AIM Act HFC Management Framework (EPA HFC Phasedown and Refrigerant Management Framework)

ENFORCEMENT TIMELINE

Effective beginning January 2022

Enforcement: Effective beginning January 2022
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Overview

The American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act is a federal law under which EPA phases down the production and consumption of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), potent greenhouse gases. Enacted in 2020 and aligned with the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol, it aims to reduce HFC consumption by 85% from baseline by 2036. It covers a wide range of applications including refrigerants, foam-blowing agents, and solvents, and strongly encourages a supply-chain-wide transition to alternative substances along with the promotion of recovery and reclamation.

Enforcement Timeline

- January 1, 2022: HFC production and consumption restrictions (allowance system) begin, starting with a 10% reduction from baseline

- January 1, 2024: Phasedown Step 2 raises the reduction to 40% from baseline

- January 1, 2025: Sector-specific HFC use restrictions begin phasing in for certain applications

- January 1, 2029: Phasedown Step 3 raises the reduction to 70% from baseline

- January 1, 2034: Phasedown Step 4 raises the reduction to 80% from baseline

- January 1, 2036: Final target reached — 85% reduction from baseline achieved

Related Regulations / Topics

U.S. AIM Act (HFC Regulation): The Phase-Down Framework and 2026 Technology Transitions Flexibility Measures

The American Innovation and Manufacturing Act of 2020 (AIM Act) requires the phased reduction of production and consumption of high-global-warming-potential (GWP) hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) in accordance with the Kigali Amendment (an 85% reduction by 2036). Under the "Technology Transitions Rule," EPA progressively prohibits, by product category, the use of HFCs exceeding specified GWP thresholds in refrigeration and air conditioning equipment (HVAC), aerosols, foam products, and other applications. In 2026, in response to applications from manufacturers, EPA published transitional compliance flexibility measures regarding the timing of application of manufacturing and import prohibitions for certain commercial air conditioning and refrigeration equipment, in order to address supply chain shortages of compressors and low-GWP alternative refrigerants.

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Business Impact

Manufacturers of air conditioning and refrigeration equipment and those handling refrigerants will need to transition to alternative refrigerants and strengthen leak-prevention maintenance practices.

Official Sources & Reference Links