Starting January 1, 2025, new restrictions will be implemented under the European Regulation on Fluorinated Greenhouse Gases (F-GAS). These measures are part of the EU’s commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and accelerate the shift toward more sustainable alternatives. The regulation affects not only manufacturers and distributors but also end users and technicians in the refrigeration, air conditioning, and heating sectors.

What Changes Does the 2025 Regulation Introduce?

  1. Ban on Maintenance with High-GWP Gases
    As of 2025, fluorinated gases with a Global Warming Potential (GWP) of 2,500 or more will be banned for maintenance or servicing of refrigeration equipment. The goal is to limit the use of more polluting HFCs like R-404A and R-507. However, regenerated or recycled gases will be allowed until 2030, enabling a gradual transition.

  2. Export Restrictions on Equipment
    From March 2025, the export of refrigeration and air conditioning equipment using fluorinated gases with a GWP above 1,000 will be prohibited. This includes systems using R-410A. Manufacturers will need to shift toward more sustainable technologies, such as R-32 or natural refrigerants like CO2 (R-744).

  3. Gradual Phase-down of HFCs
    The regulation sets a progressive reduction in the production and distribution of HFCs in the EU market. From 2025, production quotas will be capped at 60% of the average annual volume recorded between 2011 and 2013, decreasing gradually to 15% by 2036.

  4. Mandatory Certification and Inspections
    Operators and technicians working with fluorinated gas systems must be certified and ensure compliance with the regulation. Equipment with more than 5 CO2-equivalent tonnes of charge must undergo regular leak checks.

Impact on the Industry and Users
These restrictions aim to significantly reduce fluorinated gas emissions. However, they also present challenges:

  • Manufacturers and Distributors: Must adapt product lines to include low-GWP or natural refrigerants.

  • End Users: Should assess the feasibility of replacing or retrofitting existing systems before 2030.

  • Technicians: Need up-to-date training and certification to handle new refrigerants.

Sustainable Technological Alternatives
The F-GAS regulation also promotes the use of greener refrigerants such as:

  • Natural refrigerants: CO2 (R-744), ammonia (R-717), and hydrocarbons like propane (R-290).

  • Low-GWP HFCs: Options like R-32 or HFO (hydrofluoroolefin) blends that are environmentally friendlier.

The 2025 F-GAS regulation reinforces the EU''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''s commitment to reducing the environmental impact of fluorinated gases. While it poses a challenge, it also offers a valuable opportunity to adopt cleaner and more efficient technologies.