Industry reporting on 4 November confirmed that from 1 January 2027 production of multi-connected air-conditioning (heat pump) units using chlorodifluoromethane (HCFC-22, i.e. R22) as refrigerant is prohibited; the applicable standard list includes GB/T 18837, GB/T 25857, JB/T 11966 and JB/T 14064. The notice was issued in September 2026.
The reporting also notes that refrigerant substitution involves re-adapting and re-validating the entire product, and that component makers — compressors, valves, heat exchangers — must develop for the different refrigerant systems. A production ban does not mean installed equipment must stop being used.
Three things to separate on the timeline
- Production side: no production from 1 January 2027 — a hard deadline.
- Installed base: existing equipment is not thereby withdrawn; maintenance and refrigerant supply follow separate arrangements, so there is no need for panic replacement.
- Development side: pressure characteristics, oil compatibility and heat-exchanger matching all need re-validation, typically on a multi-year cycle — scheduling has to start now.
A note for engineering and package suppliers
Such substitutions often shift system pressure classes and purity requirements. On projects with a compressed-air side, check at the same time whether the drying and filtration configuration still matches the new duty — especially where the pressure dew-point requirement moves with the process, in which case the treatment chain must be recalculated rather than carried over.
At a glance
| Dimension | As published / reported | Recommended action |
|---|---|---|
| Production | No production of R22 multi-split units from 2027-01-01 | Back-schedule the product changeover from the hard deadline |
| Installed base | A production ban is not withdrawal of installed units | Maintenance and refrigerant supply follow separate arrangements |
| Standards | GB/T 18837, GB/T 25857, JB/T 11966, JB/T 14064 | Check the applicable standard list for your product |
| Components | Compressors, valves and heat exchangers need re-validation | Validate pressure behaviour, oil compatibility and heat-exchanger matching |
Frequently asked
Does the ban mean existing equipment must stop?
No. The reporting states explicitly that a production ban does not mean installed equipment must cease to be used; maintenance and refrigerant supply follow separate arrangements.
What is R22?
Chlorodifluoromethane (HCFC-22), a hydrochlorofluorocarbon refrigerant. The notice targets production of multi-connected air-conditioning (heat pump) units using it.
Why does substitution take years?
Pressure characteristics, oil compatibility and heat-exchanger matching all need re-validation across the unit and its components, which typically runs on a multi-year cycle.
What about the compressed-air side?
Substitution often shifts pressure classes and purity requirements. Carrying over the old drying and filtration selection may no longer match the new duty; where pressure dew point moves, recalculate the treatment chain.
Sources
Facts and figures are quoted from the public reports below; the commentary is our own analysis.
- (in Chinese) (in Chinese) 2026-11-04 Read the source
- (in Chinese) (in Chinese) 2026-11-04 Read the source
Images are Shengyi own photographs; no third-party images are reproduced.
Author：Shengyi Technical Department Reviewed by：Mr. Zhang (Sales & Sizing) Updated 2026-09-28