Tunisia is strengthening its strategy to eliminate greenhouse gases emitted by the cooling sector, banning the import and manufacture of several types of equipment using hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) from January 1, 2027. This move is part of the celebration of the tenth anniversary of the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol on World Ozone Day 2026. A draft decree prepared by Tunisian authorities outlines the ban on manufacturing and importing residential split air conditioners using the refrigerant R-410A, as well as cold water dispensers, domestic freezers, and refrigerators based on HFCs.
The ban on HFC-based equipment is a significant step towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions in Tunisia. From 2027, the country's production of residential split air conditioners will exclusively use the R-32 refrigerant, which is efficient and eco-friendly. R-32 is widely used in air conditioners and heat pumps for its good energy performance, and it does not harm the ozone layer. The Tunisian government has been working to phase out HFCs, with a freeze on national HFC consumption in place since January 1, 2024, in accordance with the Kigali Amendment.
The industrial sector in Tunisia has already made progress in reducing HFC emissions. A production line for cold fountains was converted to use the natural refrigerant R-600a in August 2026, which is expected to avoid at least 5,720 tons of CO2 equivalent emissions annually. Additionally, Tunisia recorded a 70% reduction in hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC) consumption by the end of 2025, compared to its reference level, avoiding 917,670 tons of CO2 equivalent emissions. The country aims to eliminate HCFCs entirely by January 1, 2030.
To support the final phase-out of HCFCs, the third phase of the HCFC Phase-Out Management Plan (PGEH 2026-2030) was approved by the Multilateral Fund's Executive Committee in June 2026, with a budget of $1.33 million, supplemented by a $350,000 contribution from Italy. The program also focuses on building capacities, with 52 trainers educated on handling natural and flammable refrigerants in 2026, and targeted training provided to 60 customs agents and 200 technicians, half of whom are women.
The Kigali Amendment, adopted in 2016 and ratified by 174 countries as of August 2026, aims to reduce global HFC consumption by 80-85% by 2047. Full implementation of the amendment, combined with energy efficiency gains in appliances, could prevent up to 1°C of global warming by the end of the century. Tunisia's efforts to phase out HFCs and HCFCs are part of a broader strategy to mitigate climate change and protect the environment.
The World Ozone Day 2026 celebrations highlighted the importance of protecting the ozone layer and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Tunisia's commitment to eliminating HFCs and HCFCs demonstrates its dedication to environmental protection and sustainability. The country's efforts to build capacities and promote eco-friendly technologies will be crucial in achieving its climate goals.
As Tunisia implements its new regulations on HFCs, the country is expected to make significant progress in reducing its greenhouse gas emissions. The ban on HFC-based equipment and the promotion of eco-friendly refrigerants will contribute to a more sustainable cooling sector. With international cooperation and support, Tunisia can continue to make strides in protecting the environment and mitigating the impacts of climate change.
Key points
- Tunisia to ban import and manufacture of HFC-based equipment from 2027
- Country aims to eliminate HCFCs entirely by January 1, 2030
- Implementation of Kigali Amendment could prevent up to 1°C of global warming by the end of the century
