Introduction

F-gases are fluorinated greenhouse gases that include hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), perfluorocarbons (PFCs), sulphur hexafluoride (SF6), fluorinated ethers and alcohols.

In the EU, the production and use of F-gases are controlled under Regulation (EU) 517/2014. However, the adoption of this law predated the EU’s ratification of the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol (which seeks to gradually reduce HFC use by 80-85% by the late 2040s) and the European Green Deal (a set of European Commission policy initiatives that aim to make the EU climate neutral by 2050). Revision of the 2014 Regulation was required to align with new obligations introduced under both Kigali and the Green Deal.

Regulation (EU) 2024/573 was adopted as the EU legislative revision on 7th February 2024. It enters force on 11th March 2024 and repeals Regulation (EU) 517/2014. In this blog, we examine the new F-gas regulation, Regulation (EU) 2024/573.

Scope of Regulation (EU) 2024/573

The rules discussed below vary according to F-gas (e.g., HFC, HCFC, PFC). Regulation (EU) 2024/573 subjects 23 additional F-gases to its controls. It also clarifies and strengthens rules on F-gas production, use, recovery, recycling and destruction as well as certification and training. Similarly, it strengthens conditions on the import, export and placing on the market of F-gases, and equipment (including parts thereof) containing F-gases or whose functioning relies upon those gases.

Products and Equipment Subject to Placing on the Market Prohibitions

The following products and equipment have been added to the market prohibition list.

• From 2025, refrigerators and freezers for commercial use that contain F-gases with a GWP of 150 or more.
• From 2025, personal care products and equipment used for cooling the skin containing F-gases with GWP of 150 or more, except if used for medical applications.
• From 2025, fire protection equipment except when required to meet site safety requirements.
• From 2026, domestic refrigerators and freezers and self-contained refrigeration equipment, except chillers.
• From 2027 through to 2030, stationary chillers of various types.
• From 2027 through to 2033, self-contained and split air-conditioning equipment and heat pumps of various types.
• From 2030, technical aerosols except if required to meet safety standards or in medical applications.
• From 2033, foams except if required to meet safety requirements.

Creation of an F-gas Portal

An F-gas Portal will be set up by the European Commission to manage quotas for the placing on the market of HFCs, registration of undertakings and reporting of all F-gases and equipment. From 3rd March 2025, the Portal will connect with the EU Single Window Environment for Customs. A valid registration in the F-gas Portal is required for the following:

• The import or export of F-gases, and products and equipment containing F-gases.
• Submitting requests and receiving production rights for the placing on the market of HFCs.
• Supplying or receiving HFCs for allowed purposes outside of the quota system.
• Reporting requirements and submission of verification reports from independent auditors.

Additional Measures to Reduce Production and Consumption

By 1st June 2024, 1st April 2027 and at least every 3 years thereafter, producers and importers (established within the EU and that produced HFCs in 2022) may request quota allocations for HFCs via the F-gas Portal. They may (subject to approval) transfer production and use rights between themselves within a Member State and so combine production rights with a producer outside of the EU. Exemptions apply, for example, the supply directly from a producer or