Islamabad – Pakistan is set to ban the import of polyols blended with two hydrochlorofluorocarbons from the end of January. These HCFCs are ozone depleting, with bans and phase-outs in place around the world amid rising environmental concerns.
The country’s Economic Coordination Committee, under finance minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, approved the ban. It encompasses polyols blended with the blowing agents HCFC-141b and HCFC-142b, which have applications in polyurethanes for insulation and foam. Many other countries have already banned their use, with many more environmentally friendly alternatives already available.
The committee has instructed the country’s Ministry of Climate Change to consult with the Ministry of Industries and Production to ensure the latter has sufficient time to inform the relevant industries. It was also confirmed that no new letters of credit (LCs) for the banned chemicals will be opened in the future.
Aurangzeb has also emphasised the importance of timely policy measures to address critical economic, energy, and industrial needs, with a focus on transparency and efficiency in implementation.
Pakistan imports most of its polyols from China, Saudi Arabia and Singapore.
