Queensland’s commercial refrigeration industry is facing a pivotal year in 2025. With rising refrigerant costs, tightened licensing rules, and energy efficiency mandates on the horizon, businesses must act now to stay compliant and competitive.
If you operate in hospitality, food retail, healthcare, or cold storage, these upcoming changes could impact your systems, budgets, and compliance obligations.
Here’s what you need to watch in 2025—and how to prepare.
Australia’s commitment to the Kigali Amendment under the Montreal Protocol continues, and 2025 marks a significant milestone:
➡️ A 40% cut in allowable HFC imports (based on the 2011–2013 baseline), as enforced under the Ozone Protection and Synthetic Greenhouse Gas Management Regulations 1995.
High-GWP refrigerants like R404A (GWP 3,922) and R410A (GWP 2,088) will become harder to find and significantly more expensive.
Costs for a basic R404A recharge could climb from $200 to $500 or more, especially in retail and hospitality sectors where usage is high.
Expect a shift toward low-GWP alternatives like R448A (GWP 1,387) and R32 (GWP 675), which are more import-efficient under CO₂-equivalent caps.
Audit your systems now. If you’re still using legacy HFCs, plan your phase-out strategy before supply dries up.
From 1 July 2025, it will be illegal to import or manufacture new multi-head split systems using refrigerants with a GWP over 750. This primarily targets R410A-based systems.
A spike in demand (and cost) for R32-compatible units.
Supply shortages during the transition—especially in sectors like hotels, resorts, and shopping centres using VRF systems.
Non-compliant stock may be grandfathered, but new installs must meet the rule.
💡 A Gold Coast hotel upgrading mid-year could face a $10,000 premium for compliant equipment if planning is delayed.
The Australian Refrigeration Council (ARC) is stepping up compliance enforcement in 2025, along with:
A 3.5% increase in licensing fees
Inclusion of new qualifications (e.g., AUR32721 for EV refrigerant systems)
Tighter oversight on A2Ls (mildly flammable) and hydrocarbon systems
🚨 Penalties for unlicensed handling under the Ozone Act remain steep—up to $63,000 per incident.
Pro tip: Don’t cut corners. Ensure your technicians are up to date with ARC licensing and safety protocols—especially in coastal and high-humidity zones like Cairns, where system stress is high.
QLD’s Petroleum and Gas Inspectorate is reviewing its regulation of hydrocarbon refrigerants such as R290 (GWP 3).
Possible streamlining of licensing for small-scale HC use, especially in retail cabinets and food trucks.
$124 gas work licences may be replaced or simplified for low-risk applications.
With illegal HC use still common (e.g., 40% of QLD auto A/Cs, per VASA), this review aims to balance safety with practical access.
Stay tuned for:
Pilot programs
Revised training and competency pathways
Revised enforcement around improper installations
Aligned with Queensland’s Net Zero 2050 target and the Climate Action Plan, new energy performance standards are brewing.
Nationally aligned AWEF (Annual Walk-In Energy Factor) minimums for new walk-in units
Possible mandatory variable speed drives (VFDs) for commercial HVAC and refrigeration
Increased pressure to adopt solar-supported refrigeration for cost and compliance gains
💰 A Brisbane facility that pre-emptively upgrades might spend $15,000 upfront—but save $2,000 annually in energy.
➡️ Rebates (up to 30%) may apply for early adopters of efficient tech.
These aren’t just legislative footnotes—they’ll directly affect bottom lines in 2025:
Hotels & Resorts: Expect up to $5,000 in annual refrigerant cost increases if systems aren’t updated.
Healthcare Providers: Non-compliant temperature logs under TGA rules could risk $50,000+ penalties.
Grocers & Food Retail: HFC phase-out and high energy usage make you a priority enforcement target.
As Queensland’s climate and compliance pressures mount, businesses must adapt—fast.
At ACRO Refrigeration, we help Queensland businesses:
Audit and retrofit legacy systems
Select low-GWP, compliant refrigerants
Manage ARC licensing and training
Access rebates for energy-efficient upgrades
Ensure full compliance with state and federal legislation
Let’s prepare your business for today's changes—before they become expensive problems.
📞 1300 227 600
📧 workshop@acrorefrigeration.com.au
🌐 Book a compliance consultation online