Is R-22 banned?

R-22 is banned from production and import for new use in many countries, but not entirely banned from use in existing equipment under strict conditions. R-22, also called HCFC-22 or Freon-22, is a hydrochlorofluorocarbon that depletes the ozone layer and has high global warming potential. Under the Montreal Protocol, developed countries including the United States and Canada banned production and import of R-22 from January 1, 2020. This means no new R-22 can be manufactured or imported, only recovered, recycled, and reclaimed R-22 from old systems can be used to service existing equipment. It is illegal to manufacture new air conditioning equipment that uses R-22 and illegal to knowingly vent R-22 to atmosphere. You must have EPA Section 608 certification to purchase and handle R-22. So while you cannot buy virgin R-22 or install new R-22 systems, you can still legally use reclaimed R-22 to maintain old systems that already contain it, though it is very expensive and supplies are shrinking. The ban aims to protect ozone and encourage transition to lower impact refrigerants like R-410A, R-32, and R-454B.