National Ozone Unit Holds Successful Stakeholder Consultation

Importers of refrigerants and refrigeration and air-conditioning equipment participated in a consultation to discuss proposed policy and legislative changes relating to the importation of refrigerants and refrigeration and air-conditioning (RAC) equipment.

This consultation was organised by the National Ozone Unit, Energy Division, Ministry of Finance, as part of Grenada’s Hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC) Phase out Management Plan (HPMP). The consultation took place on Thursday October 12th, 2011 at the Conference Room of the Ministry of Finance.

Grenada and other developing countries having successfully phased out CFC’s, are now preparing to phase out another group of Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS), hydrochorofluorocarbons (HCFC). These substances are used only in the refrigeration and air-conditioning servicing sector.

During the consultation participants discussed the proposed changes to be implemented as of January 1, 2012.

Among the issues discussed were:

• The implementation of a quota system for R-22 refrigerants;
• The changes in the structure of the current licensing system for the importation of all refrigerants;
• The prohibition of importation of certain types of AC units;
• Incentive and disincentive schemes to be introduced;
• New standards regime for labelling and safety;
• Licensing and certification of importers;
• Proper classification of refrigerants during preparation of customs documents.

Several of the major refrigerant importers in Grenada attended the consultation as well as representatives from the Department of Trade, Ministry of Finance and lead consultant on the HPMP.

Addressing the participants, National Ozone Officer, Leslie Smith, outlined Grenada’s obligations under the Montreal Protocol in reference to the phase out targets for HCFCs and gave an overview on Grenada’s consumption pattern and how it relates to this phase out target.

Mr. Smith also commended the importers for the co-operation received in the past and lamented; that the co-operation received by all stakeholders was a primary contributor to Grenada’s success in the early phase out of CFCs. He further encouraged the continued support and co-operation of importers in the phase out of HCFCs.

It is expected that the new import quota for January – December 2012, will be legislated by November 30th, 2010.

Public Announcement – Importers Stakeholder Consultation

The National Ozone Unit in the Energy Division of the Ministry of Finance, invites all importers of refrigerants and refrigeration and air-conditioning equipment to a very important Stakeholder Consultation to discuss a number of issues including the proposed import restrictions to be imposed on the importation of refrigerants and refrigeration and air conditioning equipment.

This meeting is scheduled for Wednesday October 12th, 2011, at the Ministry of Finance Conference Room, from 10:00 a. m.

All importers of these commodities must make a special effort to attend.

For further information, please contact Mr. Leslie Smith at the National Ozone Unit on telephone number 435 8708.