Belize has enacted comprehensive environmental legislation targeting the importation of refrigeration and air conditioning equipment as part of its enhanced commitment to ozone layer preservation and emission reduction. The Department of the Environment (DOE) confirmed that the Environmental Protection (Ozone Layer Protection) Regulations, 2025 will be implemented through a phased approach over the forthcoming quarter.
The regulatory framework establishes stringent controls over refrigerants—climate-impacting gases utilized in cooling mechanisms—which pose significant environmental threats when improperly handled. Commercial importers now face mandatory registration with the DOE at a fee of $1,000, supplemented by per-shipment licensing requirements processed via the government’s digital permitting platform. The regulations maintain absolute prohibitions on specified obsolete refrigerants known for their ozone-depleting properties, commonly found in aging cooling systems.
Residential importers receive modified provisions, permitting individuals to import up to two appliances annually for personal utilization through a streamlined exemption process. This simplified pathway, available for $25, exempts household consumers from comprehensive commercial licensing procedures.
The three-month transitional phase will incorporate public awareness initiatives to facilitate regulatory compliance. Authorities urge both commercial stakeholders and private citizens to familiarize themselves with the updated protocols to prevent potential operational delays or compliance penalties.