IIAR Resources

Broad International Adoption of IIAR Standards

Several countries have adopted or adapted IIAR Standards into national codes and regulations, particularly in Latin America. Notably:

• Colombia has adopted IIAR Standards 1, 2, 3, and 4 via ICONTEC.
• Costa Rica has developed national norms based on IIAR Standards in collaboration with CIEMI.
• Brazil is translating IIAR Standards into Portuguese through ABNT for adoption.
• Paraguay has adopted IIAR 2 as national norm and, as of 2025, they are working on adapting IIAR 4.

Alignment with International Codes

IIAR Standards have been incorporated into global model codes, making them integral to international regulatory frameworks:

• International Building Code (IBC) – via ICC
• International Fire Code (IFC) – via ICC
• NFPA Codes
• Uniform Mechanical Code (UMC) – via IAPMO
• ASHRAE 15 – which refers directly to IIAR for ammonia systems

This broad alignment makes IIAR Standards code documents themselves in many jurisdictions.

How Countries Compare: Leaders and Emerging Approaches

Our research shows that countries around the world approach ammonia refrigeration standards in very different ways. Some have well-established regulatory systems that set the pace for global practice, while others are in the process of building or adapting frameworks to meet international expectations.

Benchmark Countries

A small group of countries stand out as leaders in the development, enforcement, and global influence of industrial refrigeration standards:

• United States – The United States is a global benchmark for ammonia refrigeration standards and safety practices. At the center of its framework are the IIAR Standards, which hold the status of American National Standards (ANSI/IIAR) for natural refrigerants. These standards are comprehensive, covering design, installation, operation, and maintenance, and they serve as the regulatory backbone for the U.S. industry. Ammonia is the refrigerant of choice for large-scale applications, from food processing and cold storage to ice production. U.S. agencies such as OSHA and the EPA reinforce compliance through workplace safety and environmental requirements. The influence of IIAR’s standards extends well beyond U.S. borders, shaping regulations and best practices in countries around the world.
• Germany – Germany is widely regarded as a leader in industrial refrigeration technology, training, and regulatory enforcement. Its standards are rooted in both EU directives and robust national laws, ensuring a high level of technical rigor. Ammonia is extensively applied across the food, beverage, and logistics sectors, supported by advanced engineering practices and workforce training. Germany’s strong focus on sustainability, energy efficiency, and natural refrigerants has positioned it as a model for balancing industrial growth with environmental responsibility. As a result, German standards and expertise influence both European neighbors and international partners.
• France – France has a mature and sophisticated regulatory framework for industrial refrigeration, deeply aligned with EU policy on safety and sustainability. Ammonia systems are widespread, particularly in the food and beverage sectors, where long-term reliability and compliance are critical. French regulations emphasize worker protection and environmental performance, ensuring strict oversight of facility operations. The country’s adherence to EU directives makes it a reference point for other European markets, and its well-structured system highlights how harmonized regulations can support both domestic and international competitiveness.
• China – China represents one of the most dynamic refrigeration markets in the world, with rapid expansion in food security, cold chain infrastructure, and industrial applications. Ammonia remains a cornerstone refrigerant, backed by a detailed set of national codes and technical standards. While enforcement can vary regionally, China’s regulatory system is extensive and continuously updated to address both safety and environmental priorities. Given the scale of its industry, China’s decisions on refrigerant use and regulation carry significant global weight. Increasingly, its standards and practices are being harmonized with international frameworks, making China a critical reference point for understanding the future of industrial refrigeration.

These benchmark countries provide valuable models for both technical development and regulatory enforcement, setting standards that other countries adopt or adapt.

Emerging Frameworks

In many other countries surveyed, ammonia refrigeration is widely used, but regulatory structures are still developing or adapting to international norms.

• Latin America (Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Peru) – These countries rely heavily on ammonia refrigeration to support key export industries such as agriculture, seafood, and food processing. National standards vary in scope and enforcement, often referring to IIAR standards and leaving room for further development.
• Europe (Italy, Spain) – Italy and Spain follow EU directives but rely less on country-specific regulations, making their frameworks more dependent on regional policy.
• Asia-Pacific (India, Australia) – India is building out its cold chain infrastructure and strengthening safety practices, while Australia has robust standards that closely follow international models with strong workplace safety emphasis.

Together, these emerging frameworks show how countries are moving toward safer, more sustainable systems, often using benchmark countries as reference points.

Global Takeaway

The study highlights two clear trends:

1. Benchmark countries set the tone for global standards, shaping technical guidance and influencing international codes.

2. Emerging frameworks show strong adoption of ammonia refrigeration but are still evolving toward the comprehensive safety, environmental, and training systems seen in benchmark countries.

This mapping project helps identify opportunities for collaboration, knowledge sharing, and adoption of best practices worldwide.