Importation of hydro chloro fluro carbons (HCFCs) into SA will phase out from 2015 to 2029, with fractional volumes for equipment servicing allowed from 2030.

Manufacture of HCFCs will decline to zero. Users change to alternative substances or equipment.

Average quantities of hazardous HCFCs imported during 2009 and 2010 will become a baseline for the phase out program, from January 2015 to December 2029. From January 2030, and for the next 10 years, importation will be limited to 2.5% of baseline, allowed for servicing equipment.

HCFCs and HCFC blends used in South Africa, with their Ashrae numbers and trade names where applicable, are;
R121
R141B
R142B
R22
R401A named MP 39
R401B named MP 66
R402A named HP 80
R402B named HP 81
R403B named ISCEON 69L
R406A
R408A named FX 10
R409A named FX 56

Annual quantities are taken as nett imported, or total imported less exported, during a calendar year, reports CAIA. Importation of HCFC and HFC refrigerants, which are not made locally, are ruled by import permits.

South Africa must comply with the phase out program set by signatories to the Montreal Protocol on substances that deplete the ozone layer. Phase out of HCFCs will be done gradually to allow users to plany and to minimise financial and practical impacts.

The table sets out the HCFC importation phase out program;
2013 -2014  Baseline
2015 -2019  90% of Baseline
2020 -2024  65% of Baseline
2025 -2029  32.5% of Baseline
2030 -2039  2.5% of Baseline
2040  zero

The program is set by the Montreal Protocol, but could be accelerated when the parties meet in the future.

South Africa imports HCFCs. The local phase out implementation will be regulated by the issuing of importation permits.