Implementation of Hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC) Phase out Management Plan (HPMP) Stage I

Implementation of HCFC Phaseout Management Plan (HPMP) was commenced in 2012 under the accelerated phase-out of HCFC programme, since HCFCs are not only ODS but potent greenhouse gases having impacts on earth’s climate. 

The consultations and technical assistance are provided by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) as Lead Agency and United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) as Cooperate Agency.

This is a long-term project which is planned to carry out under two stages. Stage -1 is mainly focused on compliance in HCFC phase out with the freeze in 2013, 10% reduction from 2015 to 2020 and reduction of 35% in 2020. Stage I of HPMP was concluded achieving the reduction target in 2020. The Stage II which is starting from 2021 will be focused on adaptation of policies and mechanisms in order to complete the phase-out of HCFC by 2030 and to introduce and adapt to zero ODP, low GWP, Energy Efficient, safe alternative substances and technologies where HCFC had been used. 

Under implementation of HCFC Stage I, the Ministry of Environment introduced a Quota system to control the import of HCFC refrigerant with effect from 01 January 2013 and to ban import of used equipment. Further steps have been taken in 2018, to ban the import of brand-new equipment which is operating with HCFC substances and to make mandatory requirement of possessing recovery of refrigerant equipment in RAC service workshops to recover refrigerant when before opening the RAC equipment for servicing. 

Funding for HPMP Stage I was approved by the Executive Committee at the 62nd Meeting held in December 2010 at a funding level. The Executive Committee entered into a Multi-year Performance Based Agreement with the Government of Sri Lanka, spread over 10 years in four tranches from 2010 to 2020. By this agreement, the Government of Sri Lanka agreed to phase-out 4.93 ODP tons constituting (35% of the baseline) by the year 2020. Funds for the investment, development and improvement in the industry are channeled through UNDP, the lead implementing agency for MP in Sri Lanka

Funds for the non-investment programs under HPMP are channeled through the United Nations Environmental Programme, the Corporate agency of MP in Sri Lanka. Policy development, training programs, capacity building are the key areas covered under UNEP.  Funding was approved for the implementation of Tranche 03 from 2020 to 2021 at the same 76th Executive Committee meeting and funding has also been approved for Tranche 04.