Import quota of hydrofluorocarbons for 2025-2026 open for applications
The Environmental Protection Department (EPD) announced today (September 3) that the import quota for 18 regulated hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs)(see annex) for local consumption, applicable to the 2025-2026 period under the newly amended Ozone Layer Protection Ordinance (Cap. 403), is now open for applications.
The Government completed the amendments to the Ozone Layer Protection Ordinance in April this year to implement the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer, which was adopted by the United Nations to strengthen the regulation of HFCs and establish corresponding phasedown targets and schedule, with a view to working together with the international community in addressing climate change.
An EPD spokesman said, "Hong Kong will adopt the HFCs import quota system from December 1 this year to gradually tighten the quota with the ultimate goal of reducing the consumption of HFCs by 85 per cent from the baseline level by 2036."
The spokesman stated that the total import quota is set at 60 per cent of the baseline consumption level for HFCs (i.e. 1 093 kilotonnes of CO2 equivalent) between December 1, 2025, and December 31, 2026. Any person intending to import regulated HFCs for local consumption must hold a valid import quota and apply for an import licence for each consignment.
Applicants can download the application form and submit the completed form along with the necessary supporting documents via the online system (olpo.epd.gov.hk/olposystem), or submit a hard copy by post or in person to Section 10, the Air Science and Modelling Group, Environmental Protection Department, 12/F, North Tower, Tseung Kwan O Government Offices, 30 Tong Yin Street, Tseung Kwan O, New Territories, by 5pm, October 17, 2025. Late applications will not be accepted.
For more details about the import quota application, please visit the EPD's online system. Enquiries can also be made by telephoning 3153 2384 or via email at olpoenq@epd.gov.hk.
Source: AI-found images
Labour Department highly concerned about fatal work accident that happened in Tsuen Wan today
The Labour Department (LD) is highly concerned about a fatal work accident that happened at a construction site in Tsuen Wan this afternoon (January 14), in which several oxy-acetylene cylinders fell from a container during a lifting operation and hit workers underneath, resulting in the death of one worker and injuries to two workers. The LD is saddened by the death and injury of the workers in the accident, and expresses its deepest sympathies to the victim’s family and the injured workers.
The LD's spokesman said, "We commenced an immediate on-site investigation as soon as we were notified of the accident and have issued suspension notices to the contractors concerned, suspending the lifting operation at the site. The contractors cannot resume the work process until the LD is satisfied that suitable measures to abate the relevant risks have been taken."
The spokesman added, "We will complete the investigation as soon as possible to identify the cause of the accident, ascertain the liability of the duty holders and recommend improvement measures. We will take actions pursuant to the law if there is any violation of the work safety legislation."
To prevent loads being lifted from falling and hitting workers, the LD reminds employers to ensure that (i) the loads have been safely and securely connected to lifting gear before lifting operations; (ii) the gate of the container holding the loads is properly locked or fastened; and (iii) lifting zone is demarcated and barricaded, with no one entering the zone during lifting operations.
The general duty provisions of the Occupational Safety and Health Ordinance require employers to provide safe working environments, plant and systems of work for their employees. Those who contravene the relevant provisions are liable to a maximum fine of $10 million and imprisonment for two years.
In regard to today's accident, the LD will issue a Work Safety Alert through its mobile application "OSH 2.0", website and email, giving a brief account of the accident concerned to duty holders, workers' unions, professional bodies of safety practitioners and others, and reminding the industry of the importance of following safety precautionary measures to prevent a recurrence of similar accidents.
The LD will also remind the employer concerned of the liability for employees' compensation under the Employees' Compensation Ordinance, assist family members of the deceased to claim employees' compensation and closely follow up on the case. For those with financial difficulties, the LD will assist them to apply for appropriate emergency funds. Subject to the needs and wishes of family members of the deceased, the LD will also liaise with the Social Welfare Department for financial or other assistance.
For the sake of securing the safety and health of employees at work, the LD appeals to employers to provide plant and systems of work that are safe and without risks to health. Employees should co-operate with their employers, adopt all safety measures and use personal protective equipment provided properly to avoid endangering their own work safety and that of other workers.
Source: AI-found images
