Refrigerant R12, also known as CFC-12, Freon and dichorodifluoromethane, is a banned substance and is not permitted to enter Australia. Any Vehicles fitted with an air-conditioner charged with R12 will need to have the gas evacuated before importation into Australia and will require the filler valve and the receiver drier to be removed. Most vehicles manufactured before 1996 and equipped with an air-condoning system will be charge with R12 refrigerant.

Any seals, hoses, oil or any other component that are compatible only with R12 must also be removed and/or replaced as per the Ozone Protection and Synthetic Greenhouse Gas Management Act 1989. The Act prohibits any equipment operating solely by using CFC refrigerant.

Documentary evidence should be obtained by the vehicle importer, confirming the vehicle has been degassed or any R12 equipment or refrigerant has been evacuated or parts removed. In most cases a certification of degassing is supplied with the de registration paper and Bill of Lading.

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