RAC permit scheme now under National EPA

On July 1, 2026, the Ozone Protection and Synthetic Greenhouse Gas Program (OPSGG) moved from the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water to the National Environmental Protection Agency (National EPA).

The National EPA brings all federal environmental regulatory functions under one agency, and as part of this transition, will now regulate the (RAC) permit scheme. The Australian Refrigeration Council (ARC) will continue to administer the permit scheme on behalf of the National EPA under the new structure.

The change will not affect the day-to-day operations of licence holders, and the ARC is working closely with the agency to manage the transition, according to ARC CEO Mark Lamb.

“Licence holders are advised to continue meeting their current requirements,” Lamb says.

“All current obligations, processes, and contacts remain the same. Existing licences, permits, and approvals stay valid, and members will continue to interact with the same systems and staff at the ARC.”

Licence holders are encouraged to watch for further updates from both the ARC and the National EPA.

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