Act on the Control of Ozone-Depleting Substances (ACODS): Governs HFCs and promotes HFOs as low-GWP alternatives.

Kigali Amendment: Ratified in 2017, mandating a 70% HFC phasedown by 2029 (vs. 2014–2016 baseline).

Chemical Substances Control Act (CSCA): Regulates HFOs under “risk assessment” for environmental and health impacts.

Low Carbon, Green Growth Act: Incentivizes HFO adoption to meet 2030 GHG reduction targets (40% below 2018 levels).

a. HFC Phasedown & Quotas

• HFC Quotas: Annual production/import quotas reduced by 10% yearly (2024–2029).

• HFO Exemptions: HFOs with GWP < 53 (e.g., HFO-1234yf, GWP = 4) are exempt from HFC quotas.

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b. Sector-Specific Bans

• Refrigeration: Ban on HFCs with GWP ≥ 150 in new commercial systems (2025).

• Air Conditioning: Split AC systems must use refrigerants with GWP < 750 by 2026.

• Foam Blowing: Ban on HFCs with GWP ≥ 150 in new products (2023).

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c. Approved HFO Uses

• HFO-1234yf: Approved for automotive AC (aligned with EU MAC Directive).

• HFO-1234ze: Used in industrial refrigeration and heat pumps.

• HFO-1336mzz: Approved for fire suppression in data centers.

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d. Safety & Labeling

• KSA Standards: Follow KS B 8291 (similar to ASHRAE 34), classifying most HFOs as A2L (mildly flammable).

• Requires leak detection systems and ventilation in enclosed spaces.

• Labeling: Containers must display GWP, flammability warnings (Korean language), and recycling instructions.

• Transport Rules: Classified as hazardous materials under KGS Code (UN3163 for HFO-1234yf).

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e. Incentives

• Tax Credits: 10–15% tax breaks for companies adopting HFOs in refrigeration or AC.

• Subsidies: Grants for SMEs transitioning to HFO-based systems (e.g., Green Technology Support Program).

• ACODS Registration: Importers must register with the Ministry of Environment (MOE) and report HFC/HFO volumes via the PRTR System.

• Recovery & Recycling:

  • Mandatory 95% recovery rate during equipment maintenance.

  • Use of MOE-certified recovery devices (KS B 8293 compliant).

• Labeling:

  • Include GWP, safety data, and MOE approval codes on containers.

• Training:

  • Technicians require Fluorocarbon Handling Certification (Level 1–3, based on application).

• 2023 CSCA Amendments: Expanded HFO risk assessments and stricter penalties for illegal HFC imports.

• 2030 Carbon Neutrality Roadmap: Targets 30% HFC emission cuts by 2030, prioritizing HFOs in EVs and cold chain logistics.

• MOE Subsidies: Increased funding for HFO-based district cooling systems in Seoul and Busan.

• Fines: Up to ₩50 million (~$38,000) for unregistered imports or improper recovery.

• Product Bans: Non-compliant equipment (e.g., unlabeled HFOs) barred from the Korean market.

• License Revocation: Loss of fluorocarbon handling licenses for repeat violations.