Fgasforordning

Fgasforordningen, also known as the F-gas Regulation, is Regulation (EU) No 517/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council. It governs fluorinated greenhouse gases (F-gases) in the European Union with the aim of reducing emissions, limiting the use of F-gases, and promoting alternatives to protect the climate and, where applicable, the ozone layer. The regulation covers fluorinated greenhouse gases such as hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), perfluorocarbons (PFCs), sulfur hexafluoride (SF6), and nitrogen trifluoride (NF3), as well as their mixtures. It applies to production, import, distribution, and use in equipment and end-use products, including refrigeration and air conditioning systems, heat pumps, foams for insulation, and fire protection systems. It also imposes requirements for recovery, recycling, and destruction of F-gases at end-of-life.

Key provisions include a phasedown of HFCs through an annual quota system for production and imports, with progressively stricter limits over time; bans on placing on the market certain equipment that relies on high-GWP F-gases; mandatory leak checks, maintenance, and certification of personnel handling F-gases; reporting obligations and record-keeping; and a licensing and enforcement framework at the EU level, complemented by national authorities. The regulation also requires the recovery of F-gases during service and disposal of equipment, and the safe destruction or re-use of recovered gases.

Implementation is overseen by the European Commission and national authorities in member states, with monitoring via the F-gas portal. The regulation has driven shifts toward lower-GWP refrigerants and alternative technologies, contributing to EU climate objectives.