What Gasses Are Permitted When Shipping a Car or Fridge/Freezer Abroad?
A Guide to Refrigerant Gases in Vehicle Air Conditioning Systems
The air conditioning system in your motorhomes vehicle is a critical comfort feature, especially when relocating to a warmer climate. However, when it comes to international shipping, the refrigerant gas inside that system is subject to strict international regulations. At Ship Cars Ltd, we prioritise safety and compliance above all else. This guide explains everything you need to know about refrigerant gases, how they impact the shipping process, and the steps you must take to ensure your vehicle is ready for its journey.
Understanding these rules is essential to avoid costly delays, fines, or your vehicle being refused for loading at the port.
What Are Refrigerant Gases?
Refrigerant gases are the working fluids within your vehicle’s air conditioning (A/C) system. They undergo a continuous cycle of compression and expansion, absorbing heat from the inside of your car and releasing it outside, thereby providing cool air.
The specific type of gas used has evolved over the years due to environmental concerns, and this evolution is at the heart of shipping regulations.
Common Types of Refrigerant Gases in Vehicles
It’s important to know which type of refrigerant your vehicle uses, as this determines the rules for shipping.
| Refrigerant Type | Common Name | Era of Use | Environmental Impact | Key Shipping Regulation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| R-12 | Freon | Pre-1994 | Very High (Ozone Depleting) | Banned from international shipping. |
| R-134a | HFC-134a | 1994 – 2017(approx) | High (Potent Greenhouse Gas) | Must be discharged or proved to be leak-free. |
| R-1234yf | HFO-1234yf | 2017 onwards | Very Low (Mildly Flammable) | Generally acceptable, but declaration is mandatory. |
- R-12 (Dichlorodifluoromethane) – “Freon”
- Vehicles Affected: Most cars manufactured before 1994.
- The Problem: R-12 is a Chlorofluorocarbon (CFC), a potent ozone-depleting substance. Its production and use are banned under the international Montreal Protocol.
- Shipping Implication: Vehicles with R-12 in their A/C system are prohibited from being shipped internationally. The system must be permanently converted to a modern, compliant refrigerant (like R-134a) by a qualified professional before shipping can be considered.
- R-134a (Tetrafluoroethane)
- Vehicles Affected: Most cars manufactured from approximately 1994 to the mid-2010s.
- The Problem: While R-134a does not harm the ozone layer, it is a powerful hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) greenhouse gas, with a global warming potential over 1,400 times that of CO₂. Its movement is restricted under the F-Gas Regulation in the EU and similar laws globally.
- Shipping Implication: This is the most common scenario. Shipping lines require that the A/C system is either:
- Fully discharged of refrigerant by a qualified, certified technician, OR
- Certified as leak-free with a certificate from a qualified technician confirming the system has no leaks and holds a full charge.
- R-1234yf (Tetrafluoropropene)
- Vehicles Affected: Most new vehicles manufactured from around 2017 onwards.
- The Problem: R-1234yf has a very low global warming potential and is the current environmental standard. However, it is classified as mildly flammable.
- Shipping Implication: Vehicles with R-1234yf are generally acceptable for shipping. However, you must declare the refrigerant type accurately on the shipping documentation. The shipping line will assess its acceptance based on their specific safety policies.
Why Are These Regulations So Strict?
The stringent rules governing refrigerant gases during shipping are not arbitrary; they are in place for critical reasons.
- Environmental Protection
The primary driver is international law. Treaties like the Montreal Protocol (phasing out ozone-depleters) and the Kigali Amendment (phasing down HFCs) are legally binding. Releasing these gases during a shipping accident or through slow leaks contributes significantly to environmental damage. The shipping industry is heavily regulated to ensure compliance.
- Health and Safety Onboard
A cargo vessel is a confined space with complex ventilation systems.
- Toxicity and Asphyxiation: A large, sudden leak of refrigerant in a hold could displace oxygen or release toxic by-products if it comes into contact with a fire.
- Flammability: While R-134a is not flammable, the newer R-1234yf is. A leak in an enclosed space could potentially create a fire hazard.
- Pressurised Systems: An A/C system is highly pressurised. In the event of a fire onboard, a pressurised system can rupture explosively.
- Compliance and Liability
Shipping lines face severe fines and legal consequences for transporting prohibited or improperly declared hazardous materials. As a result, they enforce a strict “no tolerance” policy. If your vehicle is found to be non-compliant during checks, it will be refused loading, leading to significant delays and costs for you.
Your Step-by-Step Action Plan Before Shipping
To ensure a smooth shipping process, follow this checklist for your vehicle’s A/C system.
Step 1: Identify Your Refrigerant Type
You cannot assume which gas your vehicle uses. Check one of the following:
- Under the Bonnet: Look for a label on the underside of the bonnet or near the A/C compressor. It will explicitly state the refrigerant type and the required amount.
- Owner’s Manual: The manual will specify the correct refrigerant.
- Consult a Professional: If you are unsure, a qualified vehicle technician or main dealer can identify it for you.Hydro fluorocarbon (HFC)
Step 2: Take the Required Action Based on the Gas
- If your vehicle uses R-12: You must have the system converted. This is not a simple recharge; it requires a full system flush and conversion by an auto A/C specialist to use a compliant gas like R-134a. Retain all receipts for the work done.
- If your vehicle uses R-134a: This is the most common case. You have two options:
- Discharge the System (Recommended): Have a certified technician fully recover the refrigerant. Obtain a certificate or receipt stating the system has been discharged and is empty. This is the most straightforward way to ensure compliance.
- Obtain a Leak-Free Certificate: If you wish to keep the gas in the system, a certified technician must perform a pressure test and provide a signed certificate confirming the A/C system is completely sealed and leak-free.
- If your vehicle uses R-1234yf: Accurately declare the refrigerant type on all shipping documentation provided by Ship Cars Ltd. No further action is typically needed, but having the technical specification to hand is advisable.
Step 3: Provide Documentation
You must provide the relevant certificate (discharge certificate or leak-free certificate) to us before your vehicle is scheduled for collection or delivery to the port. We will include this in the shipping documentation for the carrier.
What Happens If You Don’t Comply?
Failure to address refrigerant gas requirements will result in serious problems:
- Port Refusal: The shipping line will perform checks. If your vehicle is non-compliant, it will be rejected for loading.
- Costly Delays: You will be responsible for removing the vehicle from the port, arranging for the necessary work to be done, and then re-booking a shipment on a later vessel. This can take weeks and incur substantial storage and handling fees.
- Financial Loss: You will lose the initial shipping cost and have to pay for a new booking.
Taking proactive steps is always faster, cheaper, and less stressful than dealing with a compliance failure at the port.
Summary and Key Takeaways
- Know Your Gas: Identify whether your vehicle uses R-12, R-134a, or R-1234yf.
- R-12 is Prohibited: Vehicles with R-12 cannot be shipped. A full system conversion is mandatory.
- R-134a Requires Action: The system must be either discharged by a professional or certified as leak-free.
- Declaration is Key: Always accurately declare your refrigerant type on all forms.
- Documentation is Proof: Obtain and provide the relevant certificate from a qualified technician.
- Proactive Compliance Prevents Problems: Addressing this issue early is the only way to ensure a smooth, delay-free shipping experience. ODS/SGG equipment license (EQPL)
Need Clarification or Ready to Book?
The team at Ship Cars Ltd is here to help. If you are unsure about your vehicle’s A/C system, contact us for guidance. When you are ready to proceed, we will provide you with all the necessary documentation and clearly outline the specific declarations you need to make for a fully compliant shipment.
