Fgassforordningen

Fgassforordningen is the Danish name for the European Union’s regulation on fluorinated greenhouse gases, formally Regulation (EU) No 517/2014. The rule governs the production, use, import, and end-of-life handling of fluorinated greenhouse gases across EU member states and associated economies. Its overarching aim is to limit the climate impact of these gases by reducing their emissions and by tightening controls on how they are placed on the market.

The regulation covers fluorinated greenhouse gases such as hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), perfluorocarbons (PFCs), and sulfur hexafluoride (SF6). It introduces a phasedown of HFCs through a quota system that constrains the amount that may be manufactured or imported over time. It applies to a wide range of sectors and applications, including refrigeration, air conditioning, heat pumps, insulation foams, electronics, solvents, and other products that contain or rely on fluorinated gases. The regime also requires the recovery, recycling, and proper destruction of gases at equipment end of life, and imposes reporting and record-keeping duties on producers, importers, and distributors.

Key obligations include certification and training for technicians, preventive maintenance and regular leak checks for equipment, and strict controls on leakage and containment, especially for high-GWP gases such as SF6. Some uses remain permitted where no feasible alternatives exist, while others are progressively restricted or banned. National authorities enforce compliance and oversee penalties for non-compliance. The regulation is part of wider EU climate and energy objectives and has driven industry shifts toward alternative refrigerants and technologies.