Strategic Move by Ministry of Industry and Department of Environment Toward HSE Compliance: Descending Quotas and Industrial Transition to Green Refrigerants Underway

The Director General of the Export and Import Regulations Office at the Ministry of Industry, Mine, and Trade (MIMT) announced the tightening of regulatory oversight, implementation of declining annual import quotas, and issuance of restrictive directives targeting ozone-depleting substances (ODS). These measures aim to align Iran’s manufacturing and supply chains with Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) management systems and international environmental treaties.

According to reports, Narges Bagheri Zomorodi, Director General of Export and Import Regulations at MIMT, addressed attendees at the 39th Anniversary of the Montreal Protocol and World Ozone Day conference held at the International Conference Center of the Department of Environment. Speaking before senior executives, HSE experts, and industrial stakeholders, she stated:

“National industrial policy is intrinsically linked to environmental sustainability and occupational health metrics. Consequently, regulations governing import registration, foreign exchange allocation, and customs clearance for ozone-depleting substances—specifically Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) and high-risk derivatives—are reviewed annually in close coordination with the Department of Environment (DOE), following a mandatory downward trajectory.”

Upgrading Manufacturing Lines and Transitioning to Safe, Clean Technologies

Highlighting the supply chain’s role in environmental risk management, the official added:

“The primary consumption of these substances occurs within the refrigeration, HVAC, insulation foam, and industrial fire suppression sectors. Our office, in collaboration with specialized technical departments and plant-level HSE units, is actively monitoring and facilitating the industrial shift toward eco-friendly alternatives with Zero Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP = 0) and Low Global Warming Potential (Low GWP), such as natural refrigerants and next-generation hydrofluorocarbons.”

Regulatory Transparency and Industrial Resilience

Bagheri Zomorodi emphasized that regulatory transparency is a vital prerequisite for a smooth green transition, noting:

“All phase-down schedules and quotas are communicated proactively and transparently to industrial associations, importers, and manufacturers. This ensures that the domestic supply chain avoids market shocks or component shortages, while providing industrial plants sufficient lead time to retrofit facilities and adopt modern technologies aligned with Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) standards.”

Climate Change Realities and Environmental Defense Mandates

Concluding her address, the Director General underscored the necessity of cross-sectoral synergy:

“Escalating climate anomalies, severe heatwaves, and regional environmental stresses have elevated the preservation of the ozone layer from a treaty obligation to a core priority for national resilience, public health, and civil defense. The Ministry of Industry stands fully committed alongside the Department of Environment to accelerate the implementation of the Kigali Amendment and national HSE directives, minimizing the industrial sector’s ecological and carbon footprint.”

HSE Technical Note (Context & Impact):

The Montreal Protocol (established in 1987) remains one of the most successful multilateral environmental agreements. Under modern HSE Management Systems (HSE-MS), the phase-out and substitution of hazardous halogenated refrigerants serve a dual purpose: mitigating the penetration of harmful UV-B radiation to safeguard public health (reducing the incidence of skin malignancies and ocular damage) while simultaneously enhancing thermodynamic efficiency and operational safety across industrial installations.