On July 2, 2025, in line with its commitments under the Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer and the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer, and based on the Regulations on the Administration of Ozone-Depleting Substances and the national HCFC Phase-out Management Plan (HPMP) for the polyurethane foam industry, China's Ministry of Ecology and Environment (MEE) released a draft notice titled:
"Announcement on Prohibiting the Production of Polyurethane Products Using HCFC-141b as a Blowing Agent (Draft for Public Comments)".
Policy Background
The polyurethane foam industry has been one of the main consumers of HCFCs (hydrochlorofluorocarbons) in China. For many years, HCFC-141b, a blowing agent with a high ozone depletion potential (ODP = 0.11), has been widely used in the production of thermal insulation materials. Among all HCFCs, HCFC-141b has the highest potential for ozone layer damage.
According to the national phase-out plan, HCFC-141b will be fully banned in polyurethane applications by 2026.
Key Content of the Draft Regulation
Phase-Out Timeline
From January 1, 2026:
It will be prohibited to produce polyether polyol blends and polyurethane products using HCFC-141b as a blowing agent, except for spray polyurethane foam products.
The production of products such as:
Refrigerators and freezers
Refrigerated containers
Electric water heaters
shall follow the existing regulations under MEE Announcement No. 49 of 2018.
The production of:
Insulated pipe products
Solar water heaters
shall follow MEE Announcement No. 28 of 2023.
From July 1, 2026:
The production of spray-applied polyurethane foam products using HCFC-141b will also be banned.
These refer to on-site spray-applied polyurethane foams with thermal insulation and waterproofing functions.
This draft regulation marks a significant step in China's commitment to environmental protection and the global HCFC phase-out roadmap. Polyurethane enterprises should actively respond by accelerating the transition to environmentally friendly blowing agents, such as HFOs, water-blown systems, or hydrocarbon-based alternatives, and consider upgrading to bio-based or low-emission technologies to maintain compliance and sustainability.