Fluorinated Greenhouse Gases Regulation

Introduction

Regulation (EU) 2024/573 is the European Union's primary legislative tool for controlling fluorinated greenhouse gases (F-gases), which are powerful climate-warming gases often used as substitutes for ozone-depleting substances. This Regulation repeals the previous Regulation (EU) No 517/2014 and amends Directive (EU) 2019/1937. It is designed to ensure the EU contributes to the global phase-down of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) under the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol and aligns with the European Green Deal's objective of climate neutrality by 2050.

Main Goal

The primary objective is to further reduce emissions of fluorinated greenhouse gases to prevent climate change. The Regulation aims to reduce F-gas emissions in the EU by 95% by 2030 compared to 2015 and achieve a total phase-out of HFC consumption by 2050.

Who It Applies To

This Regulation applies to:

• Producers, Importers, and Exporters of F-gases and products/equipment containing them.
• Operators of equipment containing F-gases (e.g., refrigeration, air conditioning, heat pumps, fire protection systems, electrical switchgear, organic Rankine cycles).
• Servicing companies and technicians (installing, maintaining, repairing, decommissioning).
• Undertakings using F-gases as feedstock or for destruction.
• Building owners and contractors regarding renovation/demolition involving insulation foams.

Key Provisions

1. Containment and Leak Checks

Operators of equipment containing F-gases in quantities of 5 tonnes of CO2 equivalent or more (or 1 kg of HFCs/Annex II gases) must ensure regular leak checks. Leakage detection systems are mandatory for larger systems (500 tonnes CO2e or more).

2. Restrictions on Placing on the Market (Bans)

The Regulation sets strict bans on placing specific products on the market based on their Global Warming Potential (GWP). This includes:

• Domestic fridges and freezers.
• Commercial refrigeration.
• Air-conditioning and heat pumps (including split systems).
• Electrical switchgear using SF6.
• Personal care products and skin cooling equipment.

3. HFC Quota System and Phase-down

A stricter quota system reduces the quantity of HFCs importers and producers can place on the market, declining to zero by 2050. Allocation is now subject to a payment (3 EUR per tonne of CO2 equivalent).

4. Certification and Training

Certification obligations are expanded to cover not only F-gases but also relevant alternatives (natural refrigerants) to ensure safe handling during the energy transition.

5. Recovery and Destruction

Mandatory recovery of gases from equipment before disposal. Specific requirements for building owners to manage F-gases in insulation foams during renovation or demolition.

6. Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)

By December 2027, Member States must ensure financing obligations for WEEE include the recovery/destruction of F-gases.

Obligations & Requirements

• Registration: Mandatory registration in the F-gas Portal for importers, exporters, and quota holders.
• Labeling: Products must be clearly labeled with the type and quantity of F-gas and its GWP.
• Record Keeping: Operators must maintain records of leak checks, gas additions/recoveries for 5 years.
• Reporting: Annual reporting by March 31 for producers, importers, exporters, and destruction facilities handling quantities above thresholds.
• Control of Use: Bans on using high-GWP gases for servicing/maintenance of existing refrigeration equipment (limits tighten over time).

Penalties

Member States must lay down effective, proportionate, and dissuasive penalties. These must include:

• Administrative financial penalties: Minimum set at 5 times the market value of the gases/goods (8 times for repeat offenses).
• Confiscation or seizure of illegally traded goods.
• Temporary prohibitions on trading or using F-gases.
• Quota Reduction: 200% deduction for exceeding quota allocations.