Canada's HFC phase-down: what every technician needs to know
Canada ratified the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol in 2017 and implemented its HFC phase-down through amendments to the Ozone-depleting Substances and Halocarbon Alternatives Regulations under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act. The phase-down targets the total production and import of HFCs expressed as CO₂-equivalent tonnes, not individual refrigerants. That means some high-GWP refrigerants get squeezed out faster than others even without specific bans.
For Canadian HVAC technicians and contractors, the practical impact falls into three stages. First, R-22 is already gone from new production. Second, R-410A is being phased down for new equipment starting in 2025 with most manufacturers already shipping R-32 and R-454B alternatives. Third, the remaining HFCs including R-404A and R-407C face tightening supply limits through 2036. Understanding which refrigerant your equipment uses and what its phase-out timeline looks like is now a core competency for any Canadian refrigeration professional.
Canadian HFC Phase-Down Timeline
Working with A2L refrigerants in Canada
R-32 and R-454B are both classified A2L — lower toxicity, mildly flammable. The A2L designation does not mean they are dangerous to handle in the same way as propane (A3) or ammonia (B2L). A2L refrigerants require an ignition source to ignite, have a very low burning velocity, and self-extinguish in most scenarios. However, Canadian codes are updating to reflect A2L requirements. Technicians working on A2L systems need training on leak detection procedures, ventilation requirements, and the prohibition on open flames near leaking systems. Check with provincial authority having jurisdiction for current certification requirements in your province.
For GWP impact calculations on any refrigerant, use the GWP and carbon emissions calculator. For conversion options on a specific existing system, use the refrigerant conversion guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Canada's HFC phase-down under the Kigali Amendment targets total HFC consumption including R-410A, which has a GWP of 2088. New equipment using R-410A will be restricted starting in 2025 for most applications, with a near-complete phase-down by 2036. Technicians can still purchase and use R-410A for servicing existing equipment, but new residential and light commercial units are transitioning to R-32 (GWP 675) and R-454B (GWP 466). Both are A2L refrigerants with mild flammability requiring updated safety practices. For conversion options on existing R-410A equipment, see the refrigerant conversion guide.
Virgin R-22 production and import ended in Canada on January 1, 2020, under the Montreal Protocol. Only reclaimed and recycled R-22 is legally available for servicing existing equipment. Supply is limited and prices have risen sharply. If you operate R-22 equipment, your options are retrofitting to an approved alternative such as MO99 (R-438A) or RS-44b (R-452A), or replacing the equipment entirely. Servicing with reclaimed R-22 is still legal but increasingly expensive. Environment and Climate Change Canada enforces the ban under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act. Use the refrigerant conversion guide to find the right R-22 drop-in for your application.