Mexico Enforces 2026–2030 HCFC Limits for Cooling Sector

Mexico has established maximum allowable consumption levels for hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) for the 2026–2030 period, reinforcing its commitments under the Montreal Protocol. Published on Jan. 23, 2026, in the Official Gazette of the Federation, the measure strengthens the regulatory framework for ozone-depleting substances and provides greater certainty for the refrigeration and air-conditioning industries. Issued by the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT), it informs the public and industry of HCFC consumption limits during the final phase of their national phaseout.

HCFCs are refrigerant gases controlled under the Montreal Protocol, the 1987 international treaty aimed at eliminating substances that deplete the ozone layer, which protects life on Earth from harmful solar radiation. They have been widely used in refrigeration and air-conditioning systems, polyurethane foams, fire extinguishers, aerosol propellants, agricultural fumigants, and solvents.

HCFCs are the last ozone-depleting substances still in use in Mexico, with complete elimination scheduled for Jan. 1, 2030, under SEMARNAT’s National HCFC Consumption Phaseout Plan. The plan has already phased out HCFCs in commercial and domestic refrigeration, aerosols, foams, and solvents. By 2024, Mexico achieved an 84.2% reduction in HCFC consumption compared with the 2013 baseline.

The final stage will focus on technical support for the service sector, which still relies on HCFCs, including training programs, equipment donations, and official certification for refrigeration and air-conditioning technicians. Additional measures include:

• Training customs personnel to prevent illicit HCFC trade

• Equipping customs facilities for better oversight

• Assisting small businesses in transitioning to alternatives

• Developing recovery, recycling, and regeneration programs for existing refrigerants

Mexico has been recognized for its active role in Montreal Protocol compliance, implementing over 170 projects spanning demonstration initiatives, technical assistance, training, investments, and industrial conversion programs.

In October 2025, SEMARNAT reviewed Mexico’s National Refrigerant Life-Cycle Management Plan to strengthen the network of Recovery and Recycling Centers (CRRR) and Collection and Destruction Centers (CAyD), enhancing visibility and promoting recovery of refrigerants.

Globally, the refrigeration industry is shifting toward ozone-friendly, low-global-warming refrigerants that support energy efficiency. In Mexico, HCFC replacements include natural refrigerants such as hydrocarbons, ammonia, and carbon dioxide. Scientific assessments indicate the ozone layer could fully recover by 2060, demonstrating the impact of international efforts.

UN: Cooling Demand to Triple

Despite the HCFC phaseout, cooling emissions are projected to rise due to a tripling in global demand. According to Global Cooling Watch 2025 (UNEP, COP30), global cooling capacity could grow from 22 TW in 2022 to 68 TW by 2050. Even with energy efficiency improvements and the phasedown of HFCs, sector emissions may increase from 4.1 Gt CO₂e to 7.2 Gt CO₂e by mid-century. Rising heat exposure in hotter regions, particularly Africa and South Asia, risks grid stress and power outages.

UNEP proposes a Sustainable Cooling Pathway, combining passive design, low-energy technologies, hybrid systems, and accelerated HFC phaseout. This approach could reduce 2050 emissions by 64%, save US$17 billion in energy costs, and avoid US$26 billion in grid investments. With full power-sector decarbonization, cooling emissions could drop up to 97% relative to business-as-usual.

Passive cooling could expand sustainable access to 3 billion additional people by 2050, lowering indoor temperatures by 0.5–8°C. Hybrid systems can cut energy use by 30%, and solar or evaporative solutions provide off-grid options. Overall, the pathway could reduce projected 2050 cooling equipment needs by 41%.

Seventy-two countries have joined the Global Cooling Pledge, aiming for a 68% reduction in cooling emissions by 2050 (18% by 2030, 55% by 2040). While 134 countries reference cooling in climate strategies, only 54 have policies on passive cooling, appliance standards, and refrigerant transitions.

“As lethal heatwaves become more frequent, access to cooling must be considered essential infrastructure, on par with water, energy, and sanitation. But air conditioning alone cannot solve the heat crisis without raising emissions and costs. Passive, efficient, and nature-based solutions can meet rising cooling needs while advancing climate goals. No excuses: it is time to beat the heat,” said Inger Andersen, UNEP Executive Director.