It is anticipated that by March 2014 the European Parliament will have voted to approve the wording of the proposed update to the F-Gas Regulations (842/2006/EC).

When finally ratified, this update will commit the EU to a number of significant steps with regard to the manufacture and use of HFC refrigerants. The steps will include:

1. Cap and phase-down for the placing on the market of HFCs
2. Bans or restrictions based on GWP in some new equipment, such as refrigerators and air conditioners.
3. Reporting on the placing on the market of products and equipment containing or relying upon HFCs
4. Future restrictions on servicing / maintenance of equipment using HFCs
5. Rules regarding containment, use, recovery and destruction of HFCs

The update to the F-Gas regulations will apply from 1^st January 2015.

The aim of the agreed regulation is to reduce F-Gas emissions by two-thirds of today’s levels by 2030 and to encourage the use of viable and more “climate-friendly” alternatives where they are readily available.

The implications of the revisions to the F-Gas Regulations will have wide ranging impact affecting, in the immediate & short term, decisions being made on new refrigeration systems and heat pumps, and in the short to medium term, decisions on existing systems.     

For more information contact the STS team.