ShareSingapore extends bans on high-GWP refrigerants
Singapore’s National Environment Agency (NEA) will introduce measures to ban refrigerants with GWP exceeding 150 from July 2027 for commercial refrigeration and from July 2028 for mobile air conditioning.
In 2022, Singapore’s National Environment Agency (NEA) introduced Global Warming Potential (GWP) limits for household air conditioners, refrigerators and water-cooled chillers used for large building cooling systems.
On 28 May 2026, the NEA announced new measures that will cover centralised commercial refrigeration systems and vehicle air-conditioning, aligning with standards already adopted in markets such as the EU and Japan, where low-GWP alternatives are available [1].
From July 2027, new refrigeration systems typically used in supermarkets must use more environmentally friendly refrigerants with GWP not exceeding 150. From July 2028, air-conditioning in new passenger cars and light goods vehicles must also comply with these requirements.
According to NEA, the later start should give vehicle suppliers time to adjust, as some models using lower-GWP refrigerants are not yet widely available. Nevertheless, failure to comply with these measures will be fined up to $10,000 [2].
Developed in consultation with suppliers, users and recycling companies, these latest measures only apply to new equipment. Existing systems can be used until they reach the end of their service life. From July 2027, the dismantling of refrigeration equipment will be required to follow proper disposal procedures, as well as be registered with NEA.
These measures are intended to help Singapore reach its climate goals of reducing emissions by 2030 and achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.
Sources
[1] National Environment Agency (NEA). 28 May 2026 https://www.nea.gov.sg/media/news/news/index/nea-to-introduce-measures-to-further-reduce-emissions-from-refrigeration-and-air-conditioning-equipment