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What are HFCs and why are they being phased down?
Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) replaced ozone-depleting refrigerants in air conditioning, refrigeration and foam, but many have a global warming potential hundreds to thousands of times that of carbon dioxide. The Kigali Amendment, adopted in 2016, brings them under the Montreal Protocol and cuts their production and consumption in steps. As at 31 October 2025, 169 parties had ratified, accepted or approved it[1].
What is Lebanon's HFC phase-down schedule?
Lebanon ratified the Kigali Amendment on 5 February 2020[1]. As an Article 5 (developing country) party in Group 1, it follows the schedule below[2].
| Year | Step against the baseline |
|---|---|
| 2020 to 2022 | Baseline: average HFC consumption plus 65% of the HCFC baseline |
| 2024 | Freeze |
| 2029 | 10% reduction |
| 2035 | 30% reduction |
| 2040 | 50% reduction |
| 2045 | 80% reduction |
Source: UNEP Ozone Secretariat[2].
Reductions are measured in CO2-equivalent, so cutting the highest-GWP refrigerants counts most.
Who manages the phase-down in Lebanon?
The National Ozone Unit at the Ministry of Environment manages Lebanon's Montreal Protocol commitments, with funding from the Multilateral Fund for the Implementation of the Montreal Protocol[3]. The main tools are import licensing and quotas, technician training and support for moving to lower-GWP alternatives. The phase-out of HCFCs under the earlier schedule continues in parallel. National cooling plans link the phase-down with efficiency standards and training; see the guide on National Cooling Action Plans.
Who is affected by the HFC phase-down?
Importers and distributors work within licensing and quotas. Contractors and technicians need training to handle lower-GWP refrigerants, some of which are flammable, and to recover and reuse refrigerant. Building owners and developers will see equipment and refrigerant choices shift, which affects specification, maintenance and lifetime cost.
How can owners and contractors prepare, step by step?
- Keep an inventory of equipment, refrigerant type and charge.
- Find and fix leaks, and log every refill.
- Specify lower-GWP refrigerants for new equipment where safe and available.
- Recover refrigerant during servicing and at end of life; never vent it.
- Train technicians on the refrigerants they will handle.
Where independent support helps
Planning the transition needs data on refrigerant use, equipment stock and emissions. Otibara supports national programmes, development partners and companies with HFC surveys, cooling-sector emissions profiling, technician training and transition planning.
Common questions
Are HFCs banned in Lebanon?
No. HFCs are being phased down, not banned outright: consumption is capped and reduced in steps through 2045[2].
Can we keep using our existing equipment?
Yes. Existing equipment can continue to operate. As supply of high-GWP refrigerants tightens, leak control and recovery matter more for keeping servicing costs down.
Which refrigerants replace HFCs?
Options include lower-GWP HFCs and blends, HFOs, and natural refrigerants such as hydrocarbons, CO2 and ammonia, chosen by application and safety standards.
Why do Gulf countries follow a different schedule?
Bahrain, India, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE form Group 2, which freezes in 2028 with later reductions. Other developing countries, Lebanon included, are in Group 1[2].