Bahrain rules for managing refrigerants and AC units (disposable cylinder ban, technician licensing)

What it is and does

This is Bahrain's core rulebook for the refrigeration and AC service sector. It bans venting and requires recovery and reclamation. RAC technicians and companies must be licensed, and service companies need a licence to buy refrigerant locally. Bahrain was the first country in the region to ban non-refillable (disposable) refrigerant cylinders: HCFC cylinders from 2021 and all other refrigerants from 2022.

Who it affects

AC service companies, workshops, technicians, refrigerant importers and owners of large systems

Key points

• Disposable or non-refillable cylinders are banned (HCFC from 2021, all others from 2022); use refillable cylinders that meet SCE specs
• Technicians and engineers need a mandatory licence; about 1,100 technicians and 3,000 companies and workshops are licensed
• Companies need SCE pre-approval to install or maintain RAC systems (5 working days via SIJILAT or email)
• No venting; recover, recycle and reclaim refrigerant
• Large RAC units are registered in a national database and need leak detection systems
• Refrigerant importers file quarterly reports, including remaining disposable-cylinder stock; customs clearance runs through the OFOQ system

Official text

bahrain.bh ↗ · Source: Bahrain National Portal

This is a plain-English summary for information, not legal advice. Read the official text and check with the authority before acting. Spotted a change or a mistake? Write to contact@acgaswatch.me.