Important: If you supply products for sale on Amazon, you must comply with all
federal, state, and local laws and Amazon policies applicable to those products and product
listings.
In the United States, refrigerants that harm the earth’s ozone layer – commonly called
“ozone-depleting substances” or ODS – are regulated by the U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA). Regulated refrigerants include substances that EPA has classified as “Class I”
or “Class II” ODS, any substance that includes a Class I or Class II ODS, and “Substitute”
refrigerants. At a high level:
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Class I and Class II ODS: EPA publishes a
complete list of Class I and Class II ODSs. Some of the more common Class I ODS are R-12, halon, and methyl bromide.
Some of the more common Class II ODS are Freon (also called R-22 and
HCFC-22) and HCFC 142b
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Substitute Refrigerants: Substitute
Refrigerants is a broad category and generally includes chemicals or products
that are used as substitutes for Class I and Class II ODS to cool and transfer heat. Some
common Substitutes include R-134a and R-441a
Except for a few very narrow exceptions, Class I, Class II, and Substitutes can only be
sold, distributed, or offered for sale or distribution to buyers who have been certified as
technicians through EPA-approved certification programs. These products are not permitted
for sale on Amazon
The sale and distribution restrictions do not apply to a limited number of substances which
can be used for cooling and heat transfer, however. These Exempt Refrigerants include, for
example: carbon dioxide (R-744) or nitrogen (R-728) used as a refrigerant and refrigerants
used for motor vehicle air conditioners (MVAC) in a container with a self-sealing valve
designed to hold two pounds (32 oz) or less
Examples of permitted listings
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Refrigerants that comply with all federal,
state, and local laws and regulations, including the federal Clean Air Act and related
Rules and Notices
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Exempt Refrigerants marketed only for
permissible uses, including refrigerants for use in a motor vehicle air conditioner which
are contained in self-sealing containers designed to hold 2 pounds (32 oz) or less if
the refrigerant is not a Class I or Class II ODS. These products must clearly state
the refrigerant, its use, the container size, and the valve type (for example, R-134a for
MVAC use in a 20-ounce self-sealing container)
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Refrigerators, freezers, or other assembled
products or appliances that include refrigerants
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Empty refrigerant tanks
Examples of prohibited listings
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Any Class I or II ODS
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Substitute Refrigerants that are legal for sale only to certified technicians
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Exempt Refrigerants marketed for impermissible uses
Additional useful information