THE Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment has issued an infringement notice to a Victorian company for breaching the Ozone Protection and Synthetic Greenhouse Gas Management Act 1989.
The company was issued a $13,320 fine for not having the proper licence to import equipment that contains a synthetic greenhouse gas.
The department’s investigation found the company imported heat pumps – used to heat water in domestic hot water systems – containing a potent synthetic greenhouse gas, hydrofluorocarbon R410a.
It is a contravention of the legislation to import equipment containing these gases without the required licence.
The department said import licensing requirements are in place under Australia’s laws to protect the ozone layer and climate system.
“Importers are reminded to ensure they have an import licence in place before attempting to bring these items into the country, without the correct licences it can be a costly mistake,” DAWE said.
Contravention of the legislation can result in civil penalties of up to $2.22 million.
